The Indianapolis Colts may still believe in Anthony Richardson as the future, but finding some viable competition will be key this offseason.

It seems likely that veteran Joe Flacco played his final snap with the Colts during the team’s 26-23 overtime win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18. Even if Richardson is still the future, the Colts should be in the market for a competitive backup.

One option could come from within the conference and one that brings some first-round pedigree as Hayden Winks of Underdog Network predicted the Colts will sign Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields in free agency.

“The NFL told us Fields isn’t a starting QB when he was traded for a conditional 6th-round pick. He’s still a fiery backup with short-yardage potential and could be a bridge QB option for a desperate team. Fields is always beloved by his coaches and teammates, too. His contract should be the cheapest of the somewhat promising free agent QB options,” Winks wrote. “He’d be a notable backup to Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis if they want to commit to the bit.”

Signing Fields would certainly put the pressure on Richardson to further his development entering his age-23 season.

Richardson regressed horribly at the start of the season to the point where head coach Shane Steichen benched him for two games. While the former No. 4 overall pick looked better when he was reinstated as the starter, there’s still a long way to go.

Fields proved he could be a solid dual-threat option during his sole season in Pittsburgh.

Filling in for starter Russell Wilson to begin the season, Fields completed 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns one interception and a 110.6 passer rating in six starts. He also added 62 rushing attempts for 289 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Fields would be the ideal candidate to either push Richardson to reach a consistent level or give the Colts a solid fall-back plan without having to change the offense drastically.