Anthony Richardson is on the hot seat in Indianapolis as the Colts are looking to move forward with Daniel Jones as their long-term starting quarterback. At the NFL Combine, Chris Ballard spoke about Richardson’s future if the team commits to a different quarterback.
Anthony Richardson’s Uncertain Future
A year ago at this time, Anthony Richardson was supposed to be competing with Daniel Jones for the Colts’ starting quarterback job.
Jones won the job in training camp, relegating Richardson to bench duty. Jones was excellent early in the season for the Colts, leading them to a 7-1 start, and now the Colts are reportedly in negotiations for a contract extension to keep Jones in Indianapolis for the long haul.
That puts Richardson’s job in flux. He was the fourth overall pick for the Colts, and now does not have a path to be a starting quarterback for the team that drafted him.
That’s a statement coming from the team, and it is not a positive one.
Chris Ballard, the man in charge in Indianapolis, spoke to reporters about Richardson’s future on Tuesday.
“I’m not gonna say he needs a complete fresh start,” Ballard said. “Anthony’s still young. He’s still developing. So, we’ll see what the future holds. I still believe in Anthony.”
Ballard can say that in public. He cannot say that he’s giving up on a player as talented as Richardson.
He elaborated further when pressed on the situation.
“It’s trending in the right direction. Still got a ways to go, but he’s cleared to play and the eye’s getting better. I see a future, you never know what’s gonna happen.”
He has a multitude of options at his disposal. Richardson, due to his physical traits and status as a former first-round draft pick, is likely to generate trade interest if the Colts were to listen to offers.
If Ballard came out and said he had no belief in Richardson and the writing was on the wall, he would lose all leverage in any potential trade negotiation.
Of course, the Colts could also just hold onto Richardson. Jones’ best season came last year with the Colts, but he is coming off a significant Achilles injury, which ultimately thrust Philip Rivers back into the spotlight. That puts Richardson as someone who is simply one heartbeat away from being in the game and getting a chance to prove his mettle as a starting quarterback.
Shane Steichen is no stranger to having success stories with backup quarterbacks who were thrust into the lineup. Steichen was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia when Jalen Hurts was elevated to starting quarterback, and nearly led the Eagles to Super Bowl 57 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Richardson has plenty of talent; perhaps this offseason will allow him to put it all together. It sounds like, for now at least, the Colts are willing to see things through.
