Colts sought a backup QB, but Broncos' Sam Ehlinger rejected their offer, prioritizing development and continuity in Denver.
The Denver Broncos are in the AFC West driver's seat going into Week 15. Quarterback Bo Nix has been playing well in his second season, and Denver is two games ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers for the top spot in the division.
Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts saw Daniel Jones suffer a torn Achilles, Riley Leonard nurse an injury, and Anthony Richardson recover from an eye issue.
That means the Colts were searching for a QB, and, in a stunning twist, they landed 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement to reunite with Shane Steichen.
But, it seems the Colts even tried to land and lure Broncos QB Sam Ehlinger, as Jordan Schultz reported on Wednesday night.
"Sources: The #Colts had interest in signing QB Sam Ehlinger off the #Broncos practice squad after Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury, as @ParkerJGabriel also reported. Ehlinger, who’s had multiple opportunities to leave this year, decided he wanted to stay in Denver and continue his development with HC Sean Payton and QBs coach Davis Webb. Ehlinger spent the first four years of his career in Indianapolis."
Ehlinger began his career with the Colts, and he was a sixth round pick in 2021 after playing in college with the Texas Longhorns.
Right now, Jarrett Stidham is listed as the QB2 for Denver, so Ehlinger leaving a practice squad and emergency QB spot to perhaps start might have been tempting.
But, he decided to stay in Denver, learn from Payton, and build up some continuity.
For now, the Colts might start Leonard or Rivers, but bringing in a 44-year-old from retirement might not have been their first choice after all.
At the end of the day, Ehlinger turned it down, and he stays in Denver for the time being.