Although the Colts are readying to run back their Anthony Richardson plan for 2025, it would seem the team would need better insurance based on the events of this season.
Becoming one of just seven QBs to complete less than 50% of his passes (minimum 200 attempts) in the 21st century, Richardson sported the lowest completion percentage by an NFL starter since Tim Tebow‘s 2011 showing. The 2023 No. 4 overall pick connected on just 47.7% of his throws, an untenable rate at this level. The Colts, however, are staying the course with both Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen. This figures to buy Richardson more time.
Displaying top-shelf athleticism, Richardson has battled concerns about his work ethic and has regressed in the passing game. The talented runner received Jim Irsay‘s support to be a Week 1 starter in 2023, but Ballard later said he wished the team did not play the one-year Florida starter at all as a rookie. Richardson playing in 2023 led to a season-ending shoulder injury, one of a few ailments the 6-foot-4 pro has dealt with, and the Colts benched him midway through this season. These developments raise the stakes for Richardson in 2025.
Steichen said this week he is open to a scenario in which the Colts add a passer who competes with Richardson for the job (via the Indianapolis Star’s Joel Erickson), indicating he would discuss that prospect with Ballard. Considering Richardson’s form this season and the Colts’ HC-GM duo’s seat temperatures rising, it would be surprising if the Colts did not at least sign a high-end backup option in free agency.
Richardson not making significant progress next season will intensify calls for Ballard and Steichen’s jobs, as this front office will be on the hook for a draft blunder. The Colts had committed to finding a rookie answer after seeing a host of veterans not adequately replace Andrew Luck. The best of those options, Philip Rivers, retired after one season, leading to the Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan one-offs. Richardson has proven far less capable as a passer than either, his penchant for splashy downfield strikes (on occasion, that is) notwithstanding.
Joe Flacco wants to play an age-40 season, but he is not a realistic option to push Richardson for a starting job. Justin Fields might end up being too costly, but if the Steelers sour on Russell Wilson after a sluggish stretch run, the 36-year-old passer could be in the Colts’ price range. A Fields-Richardson competition, if the current Steeler backup’s market does not take off, would be an interesting skillset mashup, however.
Daniel Jones is also coming off a six-year starter run and would be a bridge option. The Colts also talked to UFA-to-be Jameis Winston before trading for Ryan in 2022. Kirk Cousins may remind of Ryan at this stage of his career, but he should still have a market. His days of commanding high salaries are likely over, though, and the Falcons will be on the hook for much of his 2025 salary. This creates a situation in which Cousins could follow Wilson’s path and sign for the veteran minimum, as Atlanta pays the bulk of his salary.
Beyond those potential starters, a host of backup types are set to be available. Old friend Jacoby Brissett looks on track to leave the Patriots, while Jimmy Garoppolo, Andy Dalton and Case Keenum check in as proven backups. Two of Fields’ 2021 first-round peers — Zach Wilson and Trey Lance — would not be startable options, though Mac Jones could conceivably make a case as a low-end bridge after showing some flashes after Trevor Lawrence‘s injury. Gardner Minshew, the player who filled this role to modest success in 2023, figures to be available again soon — once the Raiders cut bait — as well. The Colts had expressed interest in keeping Minshew but saw his Raiders offer exceed their comfort zone.
Kirk Cousins would be hilarious
Tyler Huntley
Also, I definitely believe Miami and Indy should work out a trade involving Michael Pittman Jr and Jaylen Waddle
Dolphins having Hill and Waddle has been dedundent while Colts drafting Pittman Jr, Pierce, and Mitchell has also served as redundant.
Definitely think Miami could use some size to their receiver core (Pittman Jr) to pair with Hill speed in the red zone primarily
Definitely think Indy could use some speed (Waddle) to pair with their bigger targets in Pierce and Mitchell to help move the ball downfield to make their bigger WRs more threats in the red zone.
I wonder if Richardson could go the Randle Cobb route, convert to WR and be productive. He’s athletic enough for sure and could be an interesting piece in an option designed play.
I feel vindicated. Tony “Bounce Pass” Richardson stunk up Ben Hill Griffin stadium quite a few Saturdays and I watched an shook my head. Run first, follow the primary receiver all the way across the field without checking down, when a receiver was open he would bounce the pass 2 or 3 yards in front of him. I got crabbed at for calling him out when he was picked 4th. He’s got raw potential, he’s athletic blah blah blah. He’s a wideout or running back and has no business trying to play QB. What a waste of a draft pick. For some earthly reason good QB’s don’t come out of UF. Jesse Palmer, Tim Tebow, Danny Wuerffel, Rex Grossman are all examples of spectacular flame outs.