The Indianapolis Colts announced on Tuesday that Daniel Jones, formerly of the New York Giants, will start over their 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson. This decision signals a significant shift in the quarterback dynamics for the Colts as they look for stability and consistency at the position amid ongoing concerns about Richardson’s performance and availability.
Anthony Richardson, selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has played in only 15 games over two seasons due to a combination of inconsistency and injury issues. In his 15 starts, he has completed 176 of 348 pass attempts for 2,391 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also rushing for 635 yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite his dual-threat ability, Richardson has also thrown 13 interceptions, showing notable struggles with decision-making and consistency. The Colts’ general manager cited Richardson’s durability problems as a key factor in bringing in Jones, who is expected to bring veteran leadership and steadiness to the team.
Former Player Ryan Clark Predicts End of Richardson’s Future in Indianapolis
Ryan Clark, a former NFL player and current ESPN analyst, expressed his belief that Anthony Richardson’s tenure with the Colts has concluded. Speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Clark highlighted the loss of internal support for Richardson within the Colts organization as a critical reason for the quarterback’s uncertain future.
“His time is done with the Colts… because he lost support in the building. Somebody in the building had to say that this is our guy, I believe we can develop him.”
—Ryan Clark, ESPN analyst
Clark’s assessment reflects a broader sentiment among insiders that Richardson’s trajectory within the team has faltered, and the decision to start Jones over him confirms a shift in confidence. Alongside Clark, fellow ESPN analyst Louis Riddick shared his perspective on why the Colts are backing Jones, pointing to Richardson’s performance setbacks and leadership gaps on the field.
“Anthony is not without responsibility in this. And he knows that, too. He has spoken to that, too. And this is a hell of a hard lesson for him to have to learn… He’s going to have to do some serious soul searching about, ‘How do I perfect my process, so I never have to face this, feel this way again?’ Because it’s got to be brutal.”
—Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst
Richardson Faces Pressure as Colts Seek Stability at Quarterback
Richardson’s struggles have been marked not only by inconsistent performance but also by repeated injuries, which have hindered his ability to establish himself firmly as the team’s franchise quarterback. The Colts’ management, weighing these factors, decided to start Daniel Jones, who brings more experience and maturity to the position. Despite the change in starting quarterback, Indianapolis insists that Richardson’s development remains a priority, emphasizing that his success is not dependent on a single season.
Exploring Potential Trade Opportunities for Anthony Richardson
While the Colts maintain that Anthony Richardson’s future is in Indianapolis, NFL executives and analysts have begun to evaluate his value around the league due to ongoing concerns. His agent, Deiric Jackson, has not publicly indicated any intentions to move Richardson, but industry insiders acknowledge that teams might be interested in his unique skill set despite his challenges.
An AFC executive who spoke with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler described Richardson’s situation as complex due to his injury history and fluctuations in performance. However, the executive noted the advantage of Richardson’s remaining contract control, which could entice teams with a clear quarterback need.
“The play and the injuries have been bad enough that it’s a hard one, but if a team had a real need and since he has plenty of team control left, he should have something.”
—AFC Executive
Richardson’s contract through 2026 plus a fifth-year option in 2027 offers potential suitors time to develop him into a long-term solution, similar to situations faced by other young quarterbacks in transition. Comparisons have been drawn between Richardson and Trey Lance, who was traded from San Francisco to Dallas for a fourth-round pick. However, Richardson’s athleticism and contract length may attract a wider range of NFL teams looking beyond the 2025 season.
Colts’ Current Stance and Future Outlook on Richardson’s Role
For now, the Colts remain publicly committed to Richardson’s development within the organization, emphasizing patience with his growth as a player. The team’s decision to start Daniel Jones reflects a desire to stabilize the quarterback position as they pursue success in the short term. As the 2024 season progresses, Richardson’s position on the depth chart and his future with the Colts will likely continue to be closely monitored by fans and professionals alike.
Meanwhile, with quarterback spots constantly evolving in the NFL, Anthony Richardson’s name could remain a significant topic of discussion for teams looking ahead to the 2026 season and beyond. The next steps will depend largely on Richardson’s ability to address his inconsistencies and health issues while demonstrating leadership qualities that inspire confidence both on and off the field.