Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., selected fourth overall in the 2023 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft, is now positioned as the team’s backup signal-caller. The Colts and their coaching staff acknowledge that Richardson’s development will require patience and time as he adjusts to the professional level. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones has been named the starter for head coach Shane Steichen‘s offense heading into the 2025 season, tasked with revitalizing a team that has struggled to achieve consistency.
Coaching Perspective on Daniel Jones’ Promotion
Shane Steichen highlighted the importance of steadiness in his choice to start Daniel Jones, emphasizing the need for a quarterback who can deliver consistent performances. This decision reflects the organization’s urgency to stabilize their offense after a disappointing 17-17 team record last season.
“You guys heard me talk about the consistency, and that’s really what I was looking for.” —Shane Steichen, Head Coach
Growing Uncertainty Surrounding Anthony Richardson’s Future
Following Jones’s promotion, speculation over Anthony Richardson’s trade status has intensified, fueled by comments from his agent expressing dissatisfaction with the Colts’ handling of Richardson’s career. Deiric Jackson’s remarks suggest strained relations between the player’s camp and Indianapolis, increasing rumors that the Colts may consider moving Richardon to another team.
“We have a lot to discuss… Trust is a big factor and that is, at best, questionable right now.” —Deiric Jackson, Anthony Richardson’s Agent
Potential Trade Destinations for Richardson
Sources like Bleacher Report and analyst Kristopher Knox have identified four NFL franchises as possible destinations if a trade materializes. The Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Dallas Cowboys are mentioned as teams that could acquire Richardson, aiming to unlock his raw talents and athletic upside. Such a move would mark a significant turn for a player once projected as the Colts’ franchise quarterback.
Challenges and Disappointments Mark Richardson’s Early NFL Career
Richardson’s rookie season was marred by poor accuracy, turnovers, and frequent injuries that hindered his growth. His completion rate hovered at just 47.7 percent, paired with 12 interceptions and nine fumbles that contributed to a turbulent start. Observers note that Richardson’s inexperience and youth have made the transition to NFL quarterback exceptionally difficult, with struggles in reading defenses and making pre-snap decisions.
Assessing the Responsibility for Richardson’s Struggles
Both the Colts organization and Richardson himself share accountability for the current situation. Indianapolis may have overestimated their ability to develop a quarterback perceived as raw and unseasoned. Conversely, Richardson’s on-field performance and preparation have fallen short of expectations, including an incident of prematurely leaving a game and sustaining avoidable injuries while attempting to run.
The Colts’ Dilemma: Keep or Trade Richardson Amid Quarterback Competition
Despite the swirling trade rumors, the Colts have publicly maintained no intention to move Richardson immediately. However, should Daniel Jones produce strong results, guiding Indianapolis to a division title and playoff berth, the team’s commitment to Jones could solidify. This would make trading Richardson a more likely scenario as the franchise seeks to optimize its quarterback position and improve team success.
Uncertainty Looms Over Indianapolis’ Quarterback Future
The ongoing quarterback competition and internal tensions suggest the Colts may be quietly exploring trade options for Richardson even as the season approaches. The outcome of this evolving situation will significantly impact Indianapolis’ strategy, either confirming Daniel Jones as the franchise leader or prompting a reckoning over the once-highly touted Anthony Richardson.