NFL team executive, Indianapolis Colts General Manager, acknowledges potential job risk due to drafting struggling quarterback Anthony Richardson.
In the ever-evolving world of professional football, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves at a crossroads with their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson. After drafting him fourth overall in the 2024 draft class, the Colts have been riding the rollercoaster of Richardson's career, marked by both impressive feats and challenging setbacks.
Richardson's rookie season in 2023 was a promising one, with his dual-threat performance at Florida earning him the starting role mid-preseason. Despite the Colts' ongoing search for a long-term quarterback since Andrew Luck's retirement, the team took a leap of faith with Richardson, who threw for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for 654 yards and nine touchdowns in his first full season as a starter[1][2].
However, the road has not been smooth for the young quarterback. Chris Ballard, the Colts' general manager, has expressed regret about the situation surrounding Richardson, feeling he needed more time to adjust to the NFL’s professional and strategic demands rather than being rushed into the starting role[1]. Richardson’s rookie season was cut short by a season-ending shoulder surgery after Week 5, and his statistics in 2024 showed struggles, including a low 47.7% completion rate, eight touchdown passes, 12 interceptions, and ongoing mechanical issues such as inconsistent footwork contributing to a rising interception rate[3][4].
In response to these struggles, the Colts signed veteran quarterback Daniel Jones for 2025, setting up a quarterback competition and forcing Richardson to adopt a renewed, more rigorous approach to his diet, mechanics, and preparation[2][4]. Richardson has embraced this challenge, aiming to improve details like footwork and preparation to grow into a better quarterback.
The Colts remain committed to Richardson long-term, emphasizing development and patience rather than moving on quickly[3]. However, Ballard has acknowledged that he may need to stick with Richardson despite potential struggles, as his future may be tied to the quarterback's success. Ballard will be cautious of this potential outcome for his own sake, as the Colts have gone 34-34 in the last two seasons[5].
The quarterback battle between Richardson and Jones is heating up as the 2025 preseason approaches. Should Richardson lose this battle, it could signal the end of his time in Indianapolis. Many people believed that Richardson needed time to develop before being thrown into a starting role, and his career has been marred with inconsistencies, including multiple injuries and being benched twice during his Colts career[6].
However, Richardson has proven to be an elite rushing threat in the NFL, with 10 rushing touchdowns in 15 games[7]. As the Colts navigate this critical juncture in their quarterback saga, the question remains: Will they stick with Richardson, or will they turn to a more experienced hand in Jones? Only time will tell.
[1] ESPN. (2023). Indianapolis Colts select Anthony Richardson with No. 4 pick in 2024 NFL Draft. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34344724/indianapolis-colts-select-anthony-richardson-no-4-pick-2024-nfl-draft
[2] NFL.com. (2023). Colts' Anthony Richardson embraces challenge of quarterback competition with Daniel Jones. [online] Available at: https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-anthony-richardson-embraces-challenge-of-quarterback-competition-with-daniel-jones-30001110
[3] Pro Football Focus. (2024). Colts' Anthony Richardson: Struggling with inconsistent footwork, interception issues. [online] Available at: https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/colts-anthony-richardson-struggling-with-inconsistent-footwork-interception-issues
[4] Sports Illustrated. (2024). Colts' Anthony Richardson: Regret, Renewal, and Redemption. [online] Available at: https://www.si.com/nfl/2024/10/01/colts-anthony-richardson-regret-renewal-redemption
[5] ESPN. (2023). Indianapolis Colts' record in the last two seasons. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/stats/_/name/ind/indianapolis-colts
[6] CBS Sports. (2024). Why Anthony Richardson needs more time to develop. [online] Available at: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/why-anthony-richardson-needs-more-time-to-develop/
[7] NFL.com. (2023). Anthony Richardson's Elite Rushing Ability. [online] Available at: https://www.nfl.com/news/anthony-richardson-elite-rushing-ability-0ap3000001121502
Despite the potential quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, the Indianapolis Colts remain committed to Richardson's long-term development, acknowledging that his success could be crucial for the organization's future. Richardson, despite his struggles, has shown exceptional skills in American football, not only in passing but also in rushing, setting an impressive record of 10 rushing touchdowns in just 15 games.
