Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen had been trying to tell fans all offseason and into the preseason what the team's plan for Anthony Richardson was. The quarterback was clearly going to be QB2 behind Daniel Jones. It just took Steichen until September 3rd to confirm it.
The coach did just that on Thursday, telling reporters, including ESPN's Stephen Holder, that Jones' immediate backup would be the player entering his fourth season with the team. After all, Richardson got the initial QB1 reps in minicamp when Jones was still limited, and Richardson received the initial QB2 reps in training camp and the preseason.
For nearly four full seasons now, the Colts have been giving the 2023 first-round selection every chance to prove he can actually be good. In 2026, the team might be forced to admit defeat or finally say it was right in making Richardson the fourth overall pick in the draft three years ago.
Indianapolis Colts officially name Anthony Richardson as QB2
Richardson has had a better camp and preseason than the player he was battling for the QB2 spot with, Riley Leonard. Leonard was surprisingly good when he was given the start in Week 18 last year against the Houston Texans. Many fans hoped he would use that experience to outpractice Richardson this year, but that didn't happen.
The truth is, the team had no other choice but to make Richardson QB2. Leonard might have three years left on his rookie deal while Richardson has one, but the Indianapolis Colts have to make the playoffs this season, or massive organizational changes will need to be made.
Should Jones get injured yet again (he has had three seasons in his career end early because of injury, including tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 14 last year), Richardson is the safer choice to replace him than Leonard. Richardson also has the extra motivation of entering the final year of his contract, and he would be auditioning for a potential new suitor.
In camp and the preseason, Anthony Richardson appeared more comfortable in Shane Steichen's system than he ever has. He still struggled with some indecisiveness, but he ran when he needed to, and he was crisper and more accurate with his passes. Leonard was nearly the complete opposite.
The question will be whether Richardson can continue his success against the starters of other teams who have schemed against Steichen's system in the regular season. If Jones is hurt and Richardson is poor, the team will likely have a new general manager and head coach in 2027, and Richardson is likely gone either way.
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