The Colts are planning to add a quarterback this offseason and hold an “open” competition with Anthony Richardson for the starting quarterback job, according to general manager Chris Ballard.
“It’s got to be the right guy to create real competition,” said Ballard (via ESPN’s Stephen Holder), adding that such competition would be good for Richardson and the team as a whole. The Colts have struggled to develop Richardson since taking him fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, in no small part due to his injuries. The 22-year-old has missed 17 of 34 regular season games since being drafted, which is especially detrimental to a player who was considered a raw prospect coming out of college.
“We drafted Anthony high knowing it was going to take some time and we knew there’s going to be some hiccups along the way,” continued Ballard. “I know we all want a finished product right now…But I think as he continues to progress in his young career, us adding competition, I think, will help up everybody’s game.”
The Colts still believe that Richardson can eventually refine his physical gifts into a more finished product on the field. They hope that the competition will spur faster improvements while giving them an alternate option at quarterback to remain competitive if Richardson struggles.
“We’ve had good conversations,” said Ballard. “Anthony’s accepted all of it. He understands there needs to be some growth and there’s work.”
Both Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen mentioned consistency as a key area of improvement for Richardson. He completed a league-low 47.7% of his passing attempts in 2024 with a league-high 4.5% interception rate.
As for the new quarterback, Ballard said that the Colts will be looking to free agency, the draft, and even the trade market. Their investment will reflect their faith in Richardson to develop into a franchise quarterback. Spending a first-round pick or pursuing a premium veteran like Sam Darnold would signal a willingness to move on from Richardson just two years after drafting him. A later draft pick or lesser free agent like Mac Jones would indicate more belief in Richardson’s ability to overcome a slow start to his career. Justin Fields may be an ideal blend of investment and starting potential, especially since his mobility would fit well in Indianapolis’s offense.
Probably a good idea to let Richardson tank the results next season and get them a better QB option in the 2026 draft.
Tank for Arch Manning
Part of the problem is that Richardson has underperformed and can’t stay healthy but the bigger problem is that the Colts are so focused on him that they’ve ignored their defense which has dropped to 29th in league rankings. I like Ballard but there just seems to be too much on his plate now. Turning this team around is going to take a huge effort.
I like him too, but the fact is he’s failed as a GM. He should have been gone after last season.
I’m willing to give Ballard a pass because he’s handcuffed by a meddling owner who will try to micro manage the team if he isn’t happy.
If you have 2 quarterbacks you really have none.
Time to retire that saying. Every team should have 2 legit QBs with injuries. One just has to be the guy vs QB competition. Fields would be a good QB but I also like going with a Russ. Get a vet that can teach him that has a closer skill set than Joe Flacco.
I think the new saying should be “If you have 2 quarterbacks…get rid of the one who is addicted to massages”. This could apply to kickers as well 🙂
Why did the Colts think that an inferior version of Jameis Winston would lead them to lead anything except the interceptions rankings? Winston has been exciting to watch his entire career. Hopefully Richardson can at least provide some entertainment and excitement during the regular season, as there’s not likely to be many playoff games with him at the helm.
The bigger problem might’ve been thinking that a guy that virtually never played QB before, could come in and start in the NFL. 13 college starts, with a 6-7 record, a 54.7% completion rate, and how many good games? 2-3?
He should’ve sat his entire rookie year.
Colts should pray that Richardson turns out to be as good as Winston. He should have sat at Florida, lol.
Absolutely right. If Richardson wanted to turn out to be a good quarterback he should played at least another season at Florida. On the other hand, Richardson’s contract has $33,994,030 in guarantees. He received a signing bonus worth $21,722,932.
If Richardson handles his dosh well, that rookie contract is enough to set him and his nearest and dearest up for life. Playing another year at Florida with no significant improvement would have killed his draft stock and taken than initial contract down to $12 million or less. Are you certain Richardson would have improved if he played more college football?