Brissett, of course, is very familiar with the Colts. He played with the franchise from 2017-2020, starting 30 of his 46 games.
A Brissett-to-Indianapolis scenario isn’t possible, though, unless Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew leaves this offseason. Minshew, who is set to become a free agent, could take his talents elsewhere and land a bigger contract.
Could Jacoby Brissett Return to the Indianapolis Colts This Offseason?
Jacoby Brissett’s Tenure in Indianapolis
After spending his rookie year with the New England Patriots, Brissett was traded to the Colts in 2017. He started 15 games during his first season in Indy, replacing Andrew Luck, who missed the entire season with a shoulder injury. Luck returned the following season and played every game. Brissett served as his backup.
Brissett was supposed to be the Colts’ backup during the 2019 campaign. However, Luck retired two weeks before the start of the season. Brissett would take over and start 15 games that year. His last season with the team (2020) was spent playing behind Philip Rivers.
After leaving the Colts, he bounced around the league quite a bit. He has had stints with the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders, whom he played for this season.
All Depends On Gardner Minshew
Minshew started 13 games for the Colts this season, filling in for injured rookie starter Anthony Richardson. The 2019 sixth-round pick played great, nearly helping the team make its first postseason berth since the 2020 campaign.
Minshew isn’t an elite quarterback by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, he’s arguably the best backup quarterback in the entire NFL.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts re-sign Minshew this offseason. He can step up and keep the team competitive if Richardson gets hurt again. He’s also a good mentor for the young and inexperienced Richardson.
However, he’s a free agent and might receive an offer from another team to be a starter. If that happens, he’ll more than likely go elsewhere, leaving the door open for a backup quarterback signing like Brissett.
Jacoby Brissett’s Potential Impact in Indianapolis
Losing Minshew in free agency would mean the Colts would have to find a backup for Richardson. The team currently has Sam Ehlinger, who they drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. Yet, he’s better suited as a third-string quarterback instead of a number two.
Brissett would be a fantastic pickup for the Colts. Like Minshew, he could start if Richardson goes down with another season-ending injury (knock on wood). He could serve as a mentor for Richardson as well.
Minshew was a key contributor for the overachieving 9-8 Colts this season. Would Brissett have had the same type of impact if he was there instead of Minshew? No one knows the answer to that question, but it’s quite possible.
The Colts will likely re-sign Minshew. They know how important he is to the team and he fits in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense. But if he leaves, a Brissett-Colts reunion could be on the horizon.
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