The Indianapolis Colts made their quarterback decision for 2025 on Tuesday, and it wasn’t the one most expected. Head coach Shane Steichen announced that Daniel Jones will start the season under center, beating out 2023 first round pick Anthony Richardson for the job.
Richardson, drafted No. 4 overall just two years ago, represented the future of the franchise. Jones, meanwhile, signed a one year, $14 million contract in March after being released by the Giants. The decision signals that, for now, the Colts prefer steady play over the growing pains that often accompany a young quarterback.
Richardson handled the news well, telling reporters: “You gotta respect the decision. They feel like he’s a better fit for the team, a better fit for the outcome of us winning. You just gotta respect it and keep working. It doesn’t undermine any of the other work I’ve been putting in, it doesn’t say that I haven’t improved. I’m proud of the improvement I’ve made.”
The frank response reflects a player trying to balance disappointment with determination. But the bigger question is: what comes next for him in Indianapolis (or elsewhere)?
What It Means for Richardson
GettyIn his first two seasons, Anthony Richardson went 8-7 as a starter with 11 TDs to 13 INTs.
The Colts insist this doesn’t mean they’ve given up on him, but actions speak louder than words. Starting Jones signals that the staff still doesn’t fully trust Richardson to run the offense. That not only delays his development, but also puts more pressure on the front office. They’ll soon need to decide whether to pick up Richardson’s fifth year option for 2027.
At just 23 years old, Richardson has time. But NFL windows are short, and sitting on the bench won’t answer the question of whether he can be a franchise quarterback. If Jones struggles early, pressure will mount to put Richardson back on the field. If Jones plays well, Richardson’s role could shrink even further.
Potential Trade Partners
GettyIs Anthony Richardson still the future in Indy?
If the Colts decide Richardson’s long term future lies elsewhere, several teams make sense as potential landing spots:
- Steelers: With Aaron Rodgers leaving after 2026 and only late round rookies and backups behind him, Pittsburgh could see Richardson as a high upside successor worth gambling a mid round pick on.
- Rams: Matthew Stafford is 37 with back issues, and Sean McVay has a history of getting the most out of quarterbacks. Richardson would give him a developmental project with rare tools.
- Jets: New head coach Aaron Glenn values mobility after coaching against Justin Fields, and Richardson offers even more physical upside at a cheaper price.
- Cowboys: Jerry Jones has already taken swings on Trey Lance and Joe Milton. Richardson would be a more proven option with better upside for a similar cost.
Richardson has the tools teams dream about, but potential doesn’t last forever in the NFL. Every snap Jones takes pushes Richardson’s timeline back, and every week he spends on the bench fuels speculation that his future might lie elsewhere.
In the end, the Colts may be betting on the safer option today, but the real story is what happens tomorrow. If Richardson uses this setback as fuel (whether in Indianapolis or somewhere new), he still has the talent to flip the script on his career.
What’s Next For Anthony Richardson?