Colts' decision to name Daniel Jones as starting quarterback raises concerns over trust between team and Anthony Richardson, as stated by Richardson's representative
In a surprising turn of events, the Indianapolis Colts have named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, a decision that has sparked controversy and raised questions about the future of Anthony Richardson.
The news, first reported by Armando Salguero, came as a shock to many, particularly given Jones' inconsistent performance in the past. However, Colts head coach Shane Steichen has expressed confidence in Jones, stating that he does not want to have a short leash on the quarterback.
Anthony Richardson, the fourth-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been relegated to an experimental backup option. His agent, Dieric Jackson, has openly expressed his disappointment with the decision, suggesting that the trust between Richardson and the Colts is now questionable. Jackson also indicated uncertainty about Richardson’s future with the team, though he stopped short of demanding a trade.
Steichen praised Richardson for his professionalism, stating that the quarterback continues to prepare like a starter and maintain a positive approach despite the setback. However, the coach acknowledged the perception that Richardson may benefit from a "change of scenery" after missing 17 games over two seasons due to injuries.
Despite trade rumors, Colts General Manager Chris Ballard has firmly denied any plans to trade Richardson. Ballard emphasized the quarterback’s significant development and potential growth, highlighting Richardson’s work ethic remains strong despite not securing the starting job.
However, an analysis piece noted that both Ballard and Steichen have lost some confidence in Richardson due to his inconsistent performance and past benchings. The piece underscored that Richardson must seize any future opportunity to regain trust.
Trade speculation persists, with some analysts suggesting a bold trade could allow Richardson to develop better elsewhere, possibly behind a seasoned quarterback like the Seattle Seahawks’ Geno Smith. This reflects a belief that Richardson has upside but may not fit the Colts’ immediate plans, especially given the management’s prioritization of Daniel Jones for the starting role.
As the Colts enter their third season at rock bottom, the controversy centers on a strained relationship between the team and Richardson, professional handling from Richardson’s side, management’s clear preference for Jones, and ongoing trade rumors despite official denials. Richardson's future with the Colts remains uncertain but not closed, dependent on his ability to prove himself moving forward and team circumstances.
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[1] Dieric Jackson's statement was made hours after the Colts named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback. [2] The Colts needed a savior from Anthony Richardson, but he has been relegated to an experimental backup option. [3] Chris Ballard, the general manager of the Colts, opted to sign Daniel Jones instead of trading for Kirk Cousins. [4] Anthony Richardson's career has been marked by sub-60 completion percentages. [5] Anthony Richardson's benching twice in 2024 gave fans a clear indication that the former first-round QB was not cut out for the big leagues.
