Colts’ plan for Anthony Richardson seems more apparent than ever following the team’s end-of-season press conferences
The writing seems to be on the wall for the Colts’ plan with Anthony Richardson this offseason.
When the Indianapolis Colts chose to use the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Anthony Richardson, they had high hopes for him to become the franchise quarterback they had long searched for. He’s flashed some next-level talent, but has not been consistent enough for the Colts to rely on him as a full-time starter.
This led the Colts to sign Daniel Jones last off-season, and he ended up winning the starting job over Richardson. The team has made their intentions to re-sign Jones this offseason very clear. This leads many to wonder about Richardson’s future in Indianapolis.
Anthony Richardson’s future with the Colts seems to be in serious danger
Since the season ended, head coach Shane Steichen, GM Chris Ballard, and owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon have all spoken with the media. One of the topics discussed with each of them was Richardson’s future. All three refused to commit to the QB as part of the team’s long-term plans.
The Colts leadership all made it very clear that they wanted Jones back as the starter in 2026. All signs point towards that partnership continuing, and Richardson’s time with the Colts ending. At this point, I think it would be a shock if Richardson were still a member of the team when training camp arrives. I expect them to find a trade partner sometime over the coming months.
Ballard was even willing to talk about Riley Leonard’s future with the team in more detail than Richardson. I think the team will plan to bring in another veteran quarterback to compete with Leonard to be Jones’ backup.
With Jones recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon, they will certainly need a reliable backup. And at this point, it seems pretty clear that backup won’t be Richardson.
Indianapolis Colts News
Colts player sends cryptic message over social media, and it has fans believing he might retire ahead of the offseason
The Colts may not have the option to re-sign a player who performed well in 2025 if his recent social media post means what it sounds like.
