Anthony Richardson will not be the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts in 2025. In fact, his days with the team could be numbered. Daniel Jones is going to be QB1, and having a former first-round pick breathing down his neck would be no good for anyone.
Jones can breathe easily, though. While he hasn't been very good in his career, Richardson, in limited time in two years, has been worse. AR5 has a cannon for an arm and can run with speed and power, but he is inaccurate as a power and makes poor decisions on run-pass options.
It couldn't have been easy for Richardson to stand in front of his locker and answer questions about why he will backup Jones this coming season. For any player to discuss how they have failed is not easy. Richardson answered calmly, but his words were harsh.
Anthony Richardson gives Indianapolis Colts hard facts about why he isn't starting
Why does Indianapolis want Danny Dimes to start before AR5? Richardson said, "They feel like (Daniel Jones) is a better fit with the team. Better fit for the outcome of us winning." Ouch.
In other words, when head coach Shane Steichen and maybe general manager Chris Ballard, who is ultimately calling the shots in Indy, sat down to explain how the team would approach the quarterback position moving forward, they must have basically said, "Because we don't think we can win with you, Anthony."
For a player who was the number four draft pick in the 2023 NFL draft, that could not have been easy to hear. Anthony Richardson is not going to be fired, or in NFL-speak, released, because he still holds some potential. More importantly, he has some value as a trade target. He is still just 23 years old. If he goes to a team with a better offensive coaching staff, he might be good.
But that isn't going to be with the Colts. If things go as Indy hopes, Jones will play all of 2025 and be decent. If that happens, the team will probably try to re-sign Danny Dimes, which makes Richardson obsolete. He has two years left on his rookie contract, but he won't be playing.
AR5 does have a fifth-year option on his rookie contract since he was a first-round pick, but why would Indianapolis pick that up if they had no faith in Richardson prior to his fifth year?
Maybe something happens with Daniel Jones. Maybe he simply doesn't play well. Anthony Richardson could replace him this season, but the Indianapolis Colts wouldn't have much faith that he can lead them to victory. Richardson made as much plain on Tuesday.