After quarterback Daniel Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts this week, all eyes have been on Anthony Richardson, and how he's prepared to handle the competition. Richardson, through his agent, said he's ready to take Jones on, and that he thrives off of competition.
But not everyone agrees; Colts' alum Pat McAfee responded by arguing that Richardson should ask for a trade. "That sounds like a good idea," he tweeted. "[F]fresh start for a guy with MASSIVE upside."
This idea evidently didn't go over well with Colts fans, because McAfee was back not long after that to clarify that, in the race between Richardson and Jones, it's Richardson he's rooting for.
Anthony Richardson has SO MUCH talent#PMSLive https://t.co/Mx6A3lCRjJ pic.twitter.com/Iu9PxpVhQ3
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 12, 2025
McAfee had ESPN's Dan Orlovsky on the show, who argued that sources from within the Colts organization that Richardson is still the one they want, and that he's been working extremely hard, seemingly to McAfee's shock. But McAfee then addressed Colts fans, who he said have been coming after him over his criticism of Richardson, and said he's hoping to see AR5 succeed.
"I appreciate your passion," he said, addressing fans directly. "I hope he has the same passion for the Colts, because that would be cool, and I think this year it could happen. You know, I think he could hear all this noise, see what happens. He got benched last year, you know, and the things, the reasons why he got benched were very real, and I think very much brought to his attention and told to him. And it's like, maybe he takes it all this off season and rolls with it. Has not played much football. Has not played much football."
He continued, "So I will say I've changed my tune. I'm optimistic about Anthony Richardson. I'm optimistic.I think it's very difficult to do that stuff, but I think why not? Why not AR? Why not? I mean, he has so much so much talent!"
Time will tell who will emerge victorious from this battle, but based on the offseason preparations Richardson had already begun, it's clear: he's not going down without a fight.