Riley Leonard

Career StatsD-

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	INT	RTG
Career		5	415	2	3	67.7
2025		5	415	2	3	67.7

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Colts struck gold in the late rounds, securing Riley Leonard on a four-year, $4.4M deal that earns a stellar B+ CVI and represents exceptional value for a developmental quarterback. At just $1.1M annually with minimal guaranteed money ($0.2M), Indianapolis gets a legitimate depth piece at bargain-basement pricing — the kind of contract structure that allows teams to take meaningful swings on young talent without serious financial risk. Leonard's rookie deal timeline aligns perfectly with Anthony Richardson's development window, giving the Colts a cost-controlled backup who can grow within the system while Richardson establishes himself as the franchise cornerstone. The contract's low guaranteed money means Indianapolis can evaluate Leonard's progress without being locked into dead cap hits, creating pure upside if he develops beyond his current depth piece projection. This is exactly the type of savvy roster building that championship teams execute — identifying potential at quarterback while maintaining maximum financial flexibility for the rest of the roster.

Performance Analysis

Riley Leonard's D- grade in Indianapolis captures the rocky start to the Notre Dame product's NFL career. Leonard was one of the more polarizing quarterback prospects in his draft class — elite athleticism and toughness paired with questions about his passing accuracy and processing speed. The early returns in Indianapolis suggest those concerns were valid, as Leonard has struggled with the precision and quick decision-making the NFL demands. His D- grade reflects a player who can make plays with his legs but isn't consistently dangerous as a passer. The Colts are investing in his development, and the mobility gives him a floor, but the ceiling depends entirely on his growth as a thrower. Leonard needs a significant leap in accuracy and field reading to justify his draft position.

Current Sentiment

Riley Leonard's media perception heading into 2026 reflects serious concerns about his NFL readiness and developmental trajectory as a quarterback. His dismal 67.69 passer rating has become a focal point for analysts questioning whether he possesses the accuracy and decision-making skills necessary to succeed at the professional level. The Colts' modest $1.1M investment signals organizational skepticism about his long-term potential, with the franchise clearly viewing him as a backup or project player rather than a future starter. Media coverage has been notably absent of positive momentum, instead focusing on his struggles to execute basic quarterback responsibilities and his failure to demonstrate meaningful improvement during his early career. The Contract Value Index (CVI) assigns Leonard a D grade, reflecting the widespread industry sentiment that he remains a significant question mark whose reputation hinges entirely on whether he can make dramatic strides in Year 2. Fan and analyst expectations have been appropriately tempered, with most viewing his development as a long-shot proposition rather than an anticipated breakthrough story.