What next for Anthony Richardson?

Following the surprising and certainly controversial decision from the Indianapolis Colts to name Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback, many now see Anthony Richardson’s future with the franchise in major doubt. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the NFL, raising questions about the trajectory of the 23-year-old former first-round pick.

Albeit having limited college experience, Richardson was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and envisioned as the Colts’ long-term solution at quarterback, a dynamic playmaker who could end the franchise’s revolving door of signal-callers since Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019. However, with Jones now confirmed as the Week 1 starter against the Miami Dolphins on 7 September, the path forward for Richardson appears increasingly uncertain.

The decision to elevate former Giant Jones, a veteran signed to a one-year, $14 million contract in March, over Richardson underscores the Colts’ frustration with the young quarterback’s development, who has seen a tenure in Indianapolis plagued by injuries and inconsistency. A shoulder injury ended his rookie season after just four games, and a hip/oblique issue sidelined him for two games in 2024. Most recently, a dislocated finger in the 2025 preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens limited his opportunities to impress. Across 15 career games, Richardson has completed just 50.6% of his passes, with a particularly dismal 47.7% completion rate last season — the lowest among regular starters in the NFL. His 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions and a propensity for turnovers have further eroded confidence in his readiness to lead the team.

Head coach Shane Steichen, who advocated for drafting Richardson in 2023, has named Jones the starter for the entire 2025 season, stating, “I don’t want to have a short leash on that.” This commitment to Jones, a 28-year-old with a 24-44-1 career record, suggests a shift in priorities towards stability over potential. Jones, despite his own struggles in New York, offers a higher completion percentage (61.4%) and fewer turnovers, making him a safer, if less explosive, option. However, Steichen has left the door slightly ajar for Richardson, noting that he is “one injury away from stepping back in,” a reminder of the precarious nature of Jones’ position given his own injury history, including a torn ACL in 2023.

For Richardson, the immediate future lies in his role as the backup quarterback. His agent, Deiric Jackson, expressed frustration, stating, “Trust is a big factor and that is, at best, questionable right now.” Despite the Colts’ public insistence that they are not giving up on Richardson, the decision to bench him raises concerns about his long-term fit with the franchise.

General manager Chris Ballard has maintained that the team remains committed to Richardson’s development, comparing his age (23) to recent No. 1 pick Cam Ward and emphasising patience. Yet, with the Colts needing to decide on Richardson’s fifth-year option for 2027 next offseason, the pressure is mounting for him to prove his worth.

Could a change of scenery be on the horizon? While trade rumours have been dismissed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the possibility lingers if Jones performs adequately or if Richardson fails to seize opportunities that arise due to injury or poor team performance. Richardson’s raw athleticism and dual-threat capabilities remain tantalising, as evidenced by his 499 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2024. However, his accuracy and decision-making must improve to reclaim a starting role.

As the Colts aim to end a playoff drought stretching back to 2020, the choice of Jones over Richardson signals a pragmatic approach. For Richardson, the focus now is on development from the sidelines, staying healthy, and capitalising on any chance to play in 2025. Whether he can reclaim his status as the Colts’ quarterback of the future – or find a new home elsewhere – remains an open question.