Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The best veteran QB option the Colts should consider signing after Anthony Richardson's latest injury may surprise you

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Destin Adams | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 2:09 PM ET

An unfortunate and bizarre injury during pre-game warm-ups landed Indianapolis Colts backup QB Anthony Richardson on the IR . He is now set to be sidelined for at least four weeks. This means rookie Riley Leonard is now Daniel Jones’ backup, but the team seems to be leaning towards signing a veteran to slide into that role instead.

I took a look at available options and saw the names others have already thrown around as possible signings, such as Taylor Heineke, Desmond Ridder, Brett Rypien, and others. Personally, I don't think any of the names being mentioned are who the Colts should sign. I think the best option to be Jones' backup is someone they know well from AFC South battles in the past, Ryan Tannehill.

we have placed QB Anthony Richardson Sr. on IR and claimed S Reuben Lowery off waivers from the ravens.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 13, 2025

The Colts should sign Ryan Tannehill

Dec 31, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Tannehill began his career with the Miami Dolphins after he was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The same draft in which the Colts held the number one overall pick, and after scouting all of the top QBs, selected Andrew Luck. Tannehill spent the first six years of his career in Miami before being traded to the AFC South to the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2019 season. He was acquired to be the backup, but went on to contribute much more to the franchise.

He started 63 of the 67 games he appeared in with the Titans. He threw for 14,447 yards, 93 touchdowns, and 40 interceptions. His record as a starter with the Titans was an impressive 39-24. He led the team to the playoffs three times and won two playoff games in 2019, helping them advance to the AFC Championship game. During his time there, he excelled in the play-action game and was known for taking what the defense gave him at a high level.

He would be a solid backup and a great fit in Shane Steichen’s scheme. He was out of the league in 2024, so the team would likely need to work him out before making a final decision. It was reported that multiple teams considered signing him this offseason, which suggests he's probably still hoping for one more shot in the NFL. It would also be an added bonus that Titans fans would hate to see their former QB join the Colts. And the two teams will play their second matchup of the season in Week 8, and who knows, maybe Tannehill could get in the game if the Colts were able to blow their divisonal rivals out like they did in Week 3.

Ryan Tannehill running the triple option to perfection

: #LACvsTEN on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/6vMDZ7DSk7
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023