What do the Indianapolis Colts do with Andrew Luck?
By Luke Drage
Trade or release Luck
This scenario is highly unlikely unless his play drops off a cliff or he suffers another long-term injury. And even so, there is no precedent for an elite quarterback in the modern era being traded in his prime years, so moving Luck and his enormous contract wouldn’t be easy.
In this case the Colts should, and would, draft a quarterback either in 2018 or 2019. In each year they would be forced to take a pro ready, day one starter.
This could be Josh Rosen in 2018. The UCLA signal caller is a polished pocket passer and whilst Darnold may have more upside, it’s Rosen that just may be the most sure-fire prospect.
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His resemblance to Matt Ryan is striking, both in his build and style of play and the Colts could do much worse than a near Ryan clone. Darnold would be better served sitting in year one but there are overwhelming arguments for him over Rosen.
His mobility, natural play making ability, and thicker build all stand him in strong stead as he readies for the NFL whether that be in 2018 or 2019. Either man would be capable of leading the Colts forward given the right supporting cast and would be a feasible solution should Luck leave.
Again, the likelihood of this happening is low. But, we have seen the Colts make hard decisions before with the long-term future of the franchise in mind.
The release of future Hall of Fame Peyton Manning back in 2012 in order to draft Luck shows that Irsay is willing to put the franchise above any player and he would undoubtedly pull the trigger again should the situation dictate a decision of that nature.