The Indianapolis Colts bolstered their quarterback room on Monday, June 1, 2026, by signing Easton Stick, a five-year NFL veteran who spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Chargers. This move reunites Stick with Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, who coached Stick during the 2023 and 2024 seasons in Los Angeles. Alongside Stick, the Colts also made two additional signings to their offseason roster, although those players were not publicly named immediately, likely corresponding to low-profile additions typical of early June OTA periods.
At 30 years old, Stick arrives in Indianapolis ready to provide veteran stability and a seamless transition in the quarterback group. Familiarity with Cooter's offensive system means Stick can immediately contribute in practice and serve as a reliable depth piece behind the Colts' current quarterbacks.
The Colts' quarterback hierarchy currently features Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, and Riley Leonard. Richardson, the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown tantalizing flashes but struggled with injuries and consistency, having appeared in limited games over his two pro seasons. Daniel Jones, signed in March 2026 to a one-year deal, is the presumed starter entering training camp after a 2025 season where he played in 13 games, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Leonard, a 2025 fourth-round pick, served as the third-string quarterback last year, appearing in five games with modest statistics. Stick now joins this group as a seasoned backup option with prior starting experience that could be invaluable in case of injury or emergency.
Stick's NFL experience, while limited in starts, includes stepping in during the 2023 season when Chargers starter Justin Herbert was injured. In those four games, Stick completed 63.4% of his passes for 779 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception while also displaying agility with 144 rushing yards on 21 carries. This combination of game experience and mobility enhances his value as a reliable veteran backup who can manage the offense competently when called upon.
For the Colts, a team that may carry three quarterbacks on its active roster given Richardson's injury history, Stick's addition provides a trustworthy insurance policy. While he is not expected to compete for the starting role, his presence adds competition and depth that can push younger players to elevate their games.
The signing also reflects the Colts front office's ongoing strategy to assemble their quarterback room with players who have direct experience running Cooter's offensive scheme. Previously, the Colts signed veteran Joe Flacco for the 2024 season and brought in Daniel Jones before the 2026 campaign; Stick now continues this pattern, underscoring the team's preference for continuity and readiness in backup roles.
The Colts' offensive foundations appear strong heading into 2026. Running back Jonathan Taylor produced an outstanding 2025 campaign, rushing for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns, while rookie tight end Tyler Warren emerged as a reliable receiving threat with 76 catches for 817 yards. Wide receiver Alec Pierce surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. These weapons, combined with a strong offensive line, provide a solid base for quarterback play to improve. The addition of Stick is a methodical move to ensure stability while the team continues to seek a lasting answer at the quarterback position.
While Stick's signing does not solve the Colts' quarterback question, it does provide a stabilizing veteran presence as the team evaluates options. Whether Leonard retains the No. 3 spot or Stick claims it after competition remains to be seen, but the Colts now have more experienced hands to turn to in the critical backup role.
The other two signings made alongside Stick are likely camp bodies who will compete for roster or practice squad spots on special teams or at depth positions. It is typical for the Colts and other NFL teams to add several such players during June's Organized Team Activities to prepare for the evolving roster through the summer.
Overall, the Easton Stick acquisition is a practical and familiar move by the Colts as they head into the 2026 season, emphasizing continuity in their quarterback room and ensuring they have capable, experienced depth ready to support a promising but still developing offense.