The Indianapolis Colts’ Post-Andrew Luck Era: A Franchise in Transition
Since Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement in August 2019, the Indianapolis Colts have struggled to establish long-term stability at the quarterback position, resulting in only two playoff appearances over the subsequent five seasons. The franchise has cycled through a series of veteran stopgaps and coaching changes, shifting from a perennial AFC South contender to a team defined by its ongoing search for a franchise signal-caller.
How has the quarterback position changed since 2019?
Following Luck’s departure, the Colts pursued a strategy of acquiring veteran quarterbacks to remain competitive. According to official NFL records, the team has utilized a different primary starter in nearly every season since 2019. Jacoby Brissett, who served as Luck’s backup, took over the starting role in 2019, followed by one-year stints from Philip Rivers in 2020 and Carson Wentz in 2021. The team then turned to Matt Ryan in 2022 before shifting their focus to the NFL Draft to secure a long-term solution.
What is the current outlook for the Colts?
The franchise entered a new phase of its rebuilding process by selecting Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. According to official team roster data, the Colts are prioritizing the development of the young quarterback under head coach Shane Steichen. Steichen, who was hired in 2023, previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was credited with the development of Jalen Hurts. The organization’s current trajectory relies on Richardson’s growth to stabilize an offense that has lacked consistency since the departure of the former Pro Bowl quarterback.
Comparison of Post-Luck Seasons
The following table illustrates the Colts’ performance and quarterback rotation in the years following Andrew Luck’s retirement.
| Season | Primary Starting QB | Record | Playoff Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Jacoby Brissett | 7–9 | Missed |
| 2020 | Philip Rivers | 11–5 | Wild Card Loss |
| 2021 | Carson Wentz | 9–8 | Missed |
| 2022 | Matt Ryan | 4–12–1 | Missed |
| 2023 | Gardner Minshew | 9–8 | Missed |
Why the focus remains on long-term development
The volatility at the quarterback position has historically impacted the team’s ability to retain talent and build chemistry. According to ESPN’s franchise tracking, the Colts have undergone significant roster turnover as they transitioned from the win-now approach of the post-Luck veteran acquisitions to the current developmental phase. By committing to a rookie contract structure with Richardson, the front office has gained more salary cap flexibility, which they have used to retain core defensive pieces and build depth along the offensive line.
Key Takeaways
- Quarterback Carousel: The Colts have started five different primary quarterbacks in the five seasons since Andrew Luck retired.
- Playoff Drought: The team has made the playoffs only once since 2019, appearing in the 2020 Wild Card round.
- New Direction: The selection of Anthony Richardson in 2023 marks a definitive shift toward building a team around a young, drafted signal-caller rather than veteran free agents.
- Coaching Stability: Shane Steichen represents the team’s attempt to provide consistent leadership, following the departures of Frank Reich and Jeff Saturday.
The Colts now look to the upcoming season to determine if their investment in youth will yield the consistency that has eluded the franchise for half a decade. Success will largely depend on the health and progression of their young core as they attempt to regain dominance in the AFC South.