Colts' QB1 choice questioned by Anthony Richardson's representative, with doubts raised over team trust
Strained Relationship: Anthony Richardson and Shane Steichen Amid 2025 Quarterback Controversy
The relationship between Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and head coach Shane Steichen appears to be strained, as Steichen has opted to start veteran Daniel Jones over Richardson despite the latter's improvements and winning record.
The decision has led to questions about trust from Richardson's camp and uncertainty about his future with the team. Steichen, who initially showed commitment to Richardson by naming him opening day starter in previous seasons, is now signaling a shift by benching the young quarterback.
Richardson had made measurable improvements, including a strong training camp widely acknowledged by teammates such as Quenton Nelson. However, Steichen prioritized experience and consistency in Jones to stabilize the quarterback position. Richardson's agent expressed disappointment and questioned the trust and relationship between player and team following the move.
The Colts’ handling of Richardson reflects doubts about his development, accuracy issues, and injury history that have dogged his first few seasons. The coach's decision effectively ends the "Anthony Richardson era," with reports suggesting the coaching staff may have mentally given up on Richardson without fully stating it publicly. The agent hinted that a breakup between Richardson and the Colts could be imminent, possibly involving a trade to salvage value before free agency.
Critiques of Steichen's decision argue that benching a quarterback with only 15 NFL starts and who showed marked offseason progress could be seen as premature and a questionable football decision, further complicating the Colts’ quarterback carousel.
The Indianapolis Colts have announced that Anthony Richardson will be the backup quarterback for Daniel Jones to start the 2025 season. Trust between Richardson and the Colts is currently questionable, according to his agent Deiric Jackson.
This news comes as the Colts prepare to face the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7. Digital, a website that offers sports coverage and has a Sports Huddle newsletter for subscribers, has reported on this developing story. Ryan Gaydos, a senior editor for Digital, contributed to the report about Richardson's role as the backup quarterback for the Colts.
Anthony Richardson believes there is room for improvement in his game and aims to become a starter in the NFL. Despite the current challenges, Richardson started 11 games for the team in 2024, going 6-5 with 1,814 passing yards and eight touchdown passes.
[1] Digital, "Anthony Richardson's Future with the Indianapolis Colts in Doubt Amid Quarterback Controversy," Sports Huddle, 28 August 2025. [2] Associated Press, "Anthony Richardson Benched as Indianapolis Colts Start Season with Daniel Jones," Yahoo Sports, 28 August 2025. [3] ESPN, "Sources: Indianapolis Colts Coaching Staff May Have Given Up on Anthony Richardson," ESPN NFL, 27 August 2025. [4] NFL.com, "Critiques Mount as Indianapolis Colts Bench Anthony Richardson in Favour of Daniel Jones," NFL.com, 28 August 2025.
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