Camryn Bynum Eager to Watch Colts QB Competition Unfold: ‘I’m Confident in Both’…read more…
Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum has been turning heads with his leadership and production on the field, but off the gridiron, he’s also paying attention to what’s happening around the league — especially with the quarterback battle unfolding in Indianapolis. The Colts, entering their second season under head coach Shane Steichen, are witnessing one of the more intriguing position battles of the 2025 NFL preseason, as second-year signal-caller Anthony Richardson squares off with veteran Gardner Minshew for the starting job.
For Bynum, who faced both quarterbacks in 2024, it’s a competition worth watching closely.
“I’ve played against both of those guys,” Bynum said during a recent media availability at a youth football camp. “They bring very different things to the table, but they’re both playmakers in their own way. I’m confident in both of them. Whoever gets the nod will definitely have earned it.”
The Colts’ quarterback situation has been a topic of debate since the beginning of last season, when Richardson — the team’s fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft — showed flashes of brilliance before a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 derailed his rookie campaign. Minshew, the journeyman quarterback known for his poise and moxie, stepped in and led the Colts to a 9-8 finish, narrowly missing out on a playoff berth.
Now with Richardson healthy and looking sharp in offseason workouts, the Colts are evaluating how to balance potential versus proven experience. According to team sources, both quarterbacks have taken first-team reps in training camp, and Steichen remains noncommittal about a starter, reiterating that the decision will be made closer to Week 1.
Bynum, entering his fourth NFL season, understands what’s at stake when a team has multiple quarterbacks capable of leading the offense.
“That kind of competition elevates the entire team,” Bynum said. “It’s not just about who can throw the farthest or run the fastest. It’s about leadership, decision-making, how they command the huddle. I’ve seen Anthony [Richardson] grow tremendously since his college days, and Gardner’s always been a gamer. They’ll make each other better.”
While Bynum doesn’t have a stake in who wins the Colts’ starting job, his praise for both quarterbacks wasn’t just empty words. When the Vikings faced the Colts last December, Minshew threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns in a tight contest, while Bynum had a key interception late in the fourth quarter. And though he hasn’t faced Richardson in a full game, Bynum said the young QB’s tape “speaks for itself.”
“He’s got elite tools,” Bynum said of Richardson. “He can extend plays, beat you with his legs, and he’s starting to become more patient with his reads. That’s the scary part — once the mental side catches up with the physical tools, he’s going to be a problem for defenses.”
Minshew, now 29, has earned praise for being a consummate professional. He spent time with the Jaguars and Eagles before landing in Indianapolis, and his ability to step into the starting role last season helped stabilize the Colts’ offense in Richardson’s absence. While he may not have the same athletic ceiling as Richardson, Minshew’s command of the playbook and veteran savvy give him a real shot at retaining the job.
NFL insiders believe Steichen’s background in developing quarterbacks — most notably Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia — will play a crucial role in guiding the decision. Several reports suggest the Colts are leaning toward giving Richardson the reins if he proves fully healthy and consistent throughout the preseason.
But even if Richardson wins the job, Bynum thinks Minshew’s presence will be a huge asset in the quarterback room.
“That’s what you want — a QB room where everyone is pushing each other but also helping each other,” Bynum said. “I’ve been on teams where that dynamic wasn’t there, and it shows. I get the feeling Indy’s in a good spot because of how those two guys handle their business.”
The Colts open their preseason slate on August 10 against the Detroit Lions, with both quarterbacks expected to get extended playing time. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for signs of separation between the two.
For now, though, Bynum’s focus remains on the Vikings’ goals for 2025, which include reclaiming the NFC North title and making a deeper playoff run. Still, he acknowledged that he enjoys keeping tabs on stories like the Colts’ quarterback competition — partly because it reminds him of how unpredictable and exciting the NFL can be.
“Every year, we see guys step up that nobody expected,” he said. “Whether it’s a young QB like Anthony or a guy like Gardner who’s been counted out before, it’s part of what makes football great. You never really know until the games start.”
As the Colts weigh their decision, Bynum’s comments reflect a broader sentiment across the league: there may not be a wrong choice, but there will be a defining one. Whether it’s the raw athleticism of Richardson or the steady hand of Minshew, Indianapolis is betting on a quarterback who can help them take the next step.
In Bynum’s words, “It’s going to be fun to watch — and whoever they choose, I just hope we don’t have to play them again this season.”
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Photo: Camryn Bynum of the Minnesota Vikings (Getty Images)
Tags: NFL News, Indianapolis Colts, Camryn Bynum, Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew, Q
uarterback Battle, Vikings, 2025 NFL Season
