The entire Indianapolis Colts roster has been seriously shaken up after just two days of free agency - something very out-of-character for general manager Chris Ballard. The most notable signing is Minnesota Vikings QB Daniel Jones, who was brought on board specifically to compete with Anthony Richardson for the QB1 spot.
Despite several promising candidates, it was rumored around the NFL that Jones was the preferred quarterback for the Colts, and that rumor ultimately did, in fact, become reality. The only hold-up was evidently Jones himself, who had offers from both the Colts and the Vikings, with Jones having to decide which team he would rather play for. The answer, as we know now, is Indianapolis.
After the Jones signing, questions were quickly raised as to how Richardson would respond. Some, including Colts' alum Pat McAfee, suggested that he might be better off seeking a trade and starting over with another team. However, Richardson's agent told Tom Pelissero exactly what Richardson is thinking, and what his plans are - and they don't involve leaving Indianapolis.
"The #Colts are now preparing for an open quarterback competition between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson, who is healthy and has no plans to seek a trade, his agent Deiric Jackson told me.Tom Pelissero
Said Jackson: “AR will be ready to roll.”"
Long before there was the notion of an open quarterback competition, Richardson was all-too-aware that 2025 would be his make-it-or-break-it season in Indianapolis. And he's responded in kind; he began working out and training long before the official team offseason practices start, and made plans to address the issues that got him into this position in the first place.
Very few people would deny that Richardson has immense potential; he's easily the most athletic quarterback in the NFL, if not one of the best overall athletes in the entire league. His arm strength is insane, and his ability to run makes him a powerful dual threat. But then, Richardson also has major problems with accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.
So what is his plan to fix it?
Richardson has made arrangements to train with Chris Hess, a biometric specialist responsible for saving Josh Allen's floundering career, which started off with startingly similar stats to Richardson's. And as if that weren't enough, he also is going to be working out with Allen himself -- the Allen who is now the league MVP. It's also worth pointing out that Jones, too, has just one year to prove himself with the Colts, and his future in Indianapolis is far from a sure thing.
So when Jackson says AR will be ready to roll, he clearly means it. Reports have all indicated that Richardson thrives on competition, and he clearly won't be giving up his starting job without a fight.