The Indianapolis Colts took a major risk when drafting Anthony Richardson to be their quarterback of the future. A very raw prospect coming into the league, he hasn’t been able to put it together quite as well as folks in the Colts organization might have hoped. As a result, there is a good chance the franchise moves on from the youngster if he cannot turn it around this year.
In a bid to challenge him for improvement, general manager Chris Ballard even signed Daniel Jones as potential competition at the quarterback spot. However, one analyst isn’t buying Indianapolis as a viable threat in 2025. As a result, he believes the best course of action for the team is to bite the bullet on their mistake and move on with a rookie quarterback taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Do the Indianapolis Colts End the Anthony Richardson Experiment?
With less than 400 pass attempts to his credit at Florida, Richardson made it to the NFL, with the Colts drafting him fourth overall in 2023. Playing in just four games in his rookie year, Richardson immediately showcased the immense potential that made Indianapolis a fan.
However, in 2024, the mirage lifted. Starting in 11 games, he compiled just 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on sub-50% completions. As a result, questions about him continued to mount weekly. Add in the concerns about his attitude after he exited a game midway, and the problems for the Colts were only increasing.
With accuracy a major concern for a quarterback with career passes for 2391 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, it is high time for the organization to make a decision. While they are planning on giving him one final season, it might be for naught.
The latest mock draft from PFSN has the team drafting seventh overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. That should clearly assess Richardson and finally allow Indianapolis to move in a different direction.
According to PFSN Analyst Owain Jones, that direction needs to minimize all the problems plaguing Richardson. As a result, the name Jones has in mind for the Colts is Cade Klubnik out of Clemson. Even though he only took over as a starter in 2023, Klubnik already has 57 passing touchdowns to his credit.
Cade Klubnik’s off-platform hip torque and flexibility is absurd. Even rolling to his left, there’s no struggle getting that full rotation and opening that energy channel.
Dude is as smooth as it gets off-script. pic.twitter.com/pJQmRZ01o4
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) May 7, 2025
In the 2024 season, Klubnik threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, while only chalking up six interceptions. Add in the 13 touchdowns he’s added on the ground in three years, and the potential for success is elite. But what separates Klubnik from Richardson is the efficiency.
A completion percentage above 63 is only the beginning. Jones described him as an “exceptional decision-maker” with “a passer rating of 76.5 when pressured.” As a result, his transition to the NFL should be a relatively smooth process.
“While Klubnik is undersized, listed at 6’2” and 200 pounds, he checks all the boxes. The Clemson quarterback can layer the football with touch and fire the ball into tight windows, leading receivers open with exceptional awareness and anticipation.”
The upside with Klubnik is immense and something the Colts should be salivating about adding to their roster. The rest of the squad is already one of the better-constructed units in the entire league.
A revitalization of the quarterback position could be the difference between a bottom-feeder and a perennial playoff threat in the AFC.