Anthony Richardson’s initial three seasons in the NFL have not matched the high hopes that accompanied his arrival. Now, the former fourth overall selection gets another chance to redirect his professional path, though his position with the Indianapolis Colts will not match the original plan.
Richardson has secured the backup quarterback spot behind Daniel Jones, beating out Riley Leonard for the role. Head coach Shane Steichen noted that both signal-callers impressed the staff during camp, but Richardson’s preseason output tipped the decision in his favor.
Richardson secures backup role with Colts
Richardson connected on 21 of 33 throws for 249 yards over three exhibition games, while Leonard managed 20 completions on 42 attempts for 199 yards. Neither passer found the end zone through the air, with Richardson tossing one pick and Leonard giving away two.
Both quarterbacks bring mobility to the table, yet Richardson proved the more dangerous runner during the preseason. His highlight came in the opener, where he logged six carries for 53 yards and a score.
That showing carried extra weight given Richardson had suffered three consecutive season-ending injuries. Steichen commended the quarterback for pushing through setbacks and growing both on the field and off it.
“He’s matured a lot as a person,” Steichen said. “A young guy in this league, absorbing lessons, facing tough moments, dealing with things out of his control, and injuries he has had to fight through.”
Colts and Richardson move past trade talk
Richardson was once viewed as the future franchise quarterback for the Colts after being drafted fourth overall in 2023. Yet he has started only 15 games and has yet to prove himself as a reliable passer, which pushed him down the depth chart behind Jones in the final year of his rookie deal.
When it became clear the Colts favored Jones, Indianapolis allowed Richardson to seek a trade. No deal came together, and the former Florida standout stayed put.
Rather than dwelling on a possible exit, Richardson has shifted his focus to maximizing his time in Indianapolis. He also downplayed the earlier trade request after locking up the backup job.
“I’m here,” Richardson said. “I’m not worried about that. I have not spoken to my agent about it in a while, to be honest.”
Richardson added that he had been getting ready since the start of camp for the chance to back up Jones, making that role his main priority.
What lies ahead for Richardson?
Richardson’s ideal situation would be to get a shot at starting, play well enough to aid the Colts, and strengthen his case for a starting job in 2027. Given Jones is recovering from a torn Achilles, there is a real chance Richardson sees action during the year.
The bigger test will be how Richardson performs if that chance comes. His athletic gifts remain a key selling point, but sharpening his passing skills will be vital if he wants to show Indianapolis or another franchise he can still be a starter.
A more realistic route could see Richardson getting snaps in lopsided games or when Jones misses short stretches. If he excels in those moments and proves to be a steady backup, the Colts might offer him a short-term deal next offseason.
Another possibility is a one-year contract elsewhere as a backup. But if Richardson stumbles during his playing time, his outlook could get murky. Despite his rare athletic traits, another rough patch as a passer might leave him fighting for a third-string job or even a roster slot in 2027.