Riley Leonard

With Daniel Jones still available as a free agent and the Colts' clear preference for veteran QB play (signing 44-year-old Philip Rivers mid-season), Leonard is unlikely to be the franchise starter heading into 2026.

Leonard is firmly entrenched as QB3 behind Daniel Jones (who the Colts plan to re-sign to a multi-year deal) and potentially Anthony Richardson. GM Chris Ballard stated Leonard is being evaluated as a potential QB2, not a starter.

Multiple reports confirm the Colts plan to open multi-year contract talks with Daniel Jones, who posted elite efficiency numbers (68% completion, 8.1 YPA, 100.2 rating) before his Achilles injury. Jones expects to be ready by training camp 2026.

Daniel Jones is locked in as the Colts' QB1 on a 2-year, $88M contract with $60M guaranteed. The franchise's financial commitment essentially forecloses Leonard's path to a long-term starting role barring a Jones bust-out or catastrophic injury, relegating him to emergency duty.

Leonard's only realistic near-term path to meaningful starts is a Jones Achilles setback delaying his 2026 return. If Jones is healthy for Week 1, Leonard likely replicates his 2025 role — logging minimal snaps and accumulating near-zero dynasty production all season.

Daniel Jones was re-signed and is the expected Week 1 starter (recovering from a torn Achilles but on track), leaving Leonard with no clear path to volume in 2026 absent injury. His season line (6.2 PPG, #50 QB) reflects a pure backup with one meaningful start (Week 18).

At 23.4 years old, Leonard is entering his prime learning years with multiple seasons ahead to develop. Early struggles don't disqualify him from becoming a long-term QB1.

Leonard holds the QB1 role on the depth chart entering 2026 with a clear development pathway. If Jones leaves in free agency, he becomes the automatic #2 behind whatever veteran the Colts add.

Jones tore his Achilles in December 2025 and while the Colts are optimistic about Week 1, Achilles recoveries carry real setback risk. Even 4-6 starts for Leonard in 2026 would meaningfully spike his dynasty value from basement tier and force genuine re-evaluation of his long-term role.

Richardson requested a trade in February (unrescinded), the Colts declined his fifth-year option, and a move could happen after August 1 — his exit would hand Leonard the clear QB2 job and the next-man-up role behind an injury-prone Jones.

Any Leonard starts come with an elite supporting cast: Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Warren, Alec Pierce, and Michael Pittman are legitimate NFL weapons. This is a top-tier surrounding environment that could dramatically inflate his fantasy output if he earns snaps.

With the 5th-year option almost certainly declined and Richardson's trade request unresolved post-draft, Leonard is on the verge of becoming the clear QB2. GM Ballard said he is 'very encouraged by Riley' and coach Steichen is eager to give him OTA reps.