Indianapolis Colts fans hoping for a fresh start with quarterback Anthony Richardson might need to brace themselves – because Tuesday’s announcement felt like the clearest sign yet that the team is moving on.
For months, Colts GM Chris Ballard has asked for patience with Richardson – after his season-ending shoulder injury five games into his rookie year, after losing his starting spot to veteran Joe Flacco, and even after being pushed into a quarterback competition this offseason with Daniel Jones.
But this week, the patience seemed to vanish. Head coach Shane Steichen officially named Jones the starting QB for 2025, saying he has to do what’s best for the team this year.
“This league is year-to-year… I gotta go with what I feel is right,” Steichen told reporters.
And while Steichen insists it’s about winning now, the move sends another message – that Indy may already be admitting its gamble on Richardson, Ballard’s biggest draft swing as GM, hasn’t paid off.
Injuries, Inconsistency, and Missed Chances
Richardson has faced one obstacle after another. He’s missed 17 games in two seasons due to injuries, including another throwing shoulder issue this spring and a dislocated pinkie in preseason. When he has been on the field, accuracy and availability have both been shaky.
In contrast, Jones arrived on a one-year, $14 million deal and slid into the opening, even without an overly dominant offseason. For Steichen, he was the safer, more “operational” option.
Ballard once said Richardson’s 2025 season wouldn’t be make-or-break – yet just a month later, the team has effectively taken a break from him.
No Clear Road Back
Asked about the Colts’ plan for his development, Richardson dodged specifics:
“I have faith in God… I just gotta be where I am right now. And right now, I’m an Indianapolis Colt.”
His agent was more direct, telling ESPN that “trust is… questionable right now.”
The reality? Few top-five QBs benched twice by the same team ever bounce back to become its franchise face. Ballard has admitted he rushed Richardson into action early – saying, “He was drowning” – but with a fifth-year option decision coming next offseason, time is running short.
Jones Isn’t a Guaranteed Fix
While Jones once led the Giants to the playoffs in 2022, his overall track record is rough: 24-44-1 as a starter, with just one full, injury-free season. Last year he completed 63.3% of his passes but went 2-8 before being benched.
Still, Steichen points to that 2022 season – the best completion rate in Giants history – as proof Jones can deliver. Whether that’s optimism or desperation depends on your perspective.
High Stakes for Everyone
Inside NFL circles, some believe the Colts are hedging – unwilling to openly say Richardson was a mistake, but no longer betting their future on him.
Now, they’re all-in on Jones. And if it doesn’t end with a playoff berth, Richardson may not be the only one packing his bags.
