Report: Indianapolis Colts Interested in Steelers Backup Quarterback Byron Leftwich

by Douglas Saffir on Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 12:18AM

Byron Leftwich is a free agent, and for some reason that's making headlines during the most tumultous NFL offseason in recent memory.

The reason is because suddenly there might be a bidding war for the 32-year-old's services. Both the Colts and the Steelers have expressed interest in signing Leftwich for the coming season.

It's hard to imagine the former Jaguars starter getting playing time with either team, so really the decision will come down to money and loyalty.

Leftwich had been with the Steelers for three years, even winning a Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl XLII. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh is struggling with just $6 million of cap room remaining and plenty of issues left to address in free agency and the draft.

The Colts, meanwhile, have no history with Leftwich but have plenty of cap space to work with when it comes to paying him. And even though it's unlikely, if Indianapolis decides to let presumed first-overall draft pick Andrew Luck spend a few games learning, Leftwich could even get some reps under center.

Whatever his decision, Leftwich will likely pick a uniform before the draft in late April.

Photo via Flickr/Wstera2