The Indianapolis Colts have benched quarterback Anthony Richardson, opting to stick with Daniel Jones as the starter for the 2025 season. The decision comes after a tumultuous tenure for Richardson, who was drafted No. 4 overall in 2023.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard has consistently preached patience with Richardson, but it seems his patience has finally run out. Head coach Shane Steichen announced that Jones won the starting job, citing the need to prioritize the present over the future with Richardson.
Richardson’s struggles on the field, including a season-ending shoulder injury and numerous injuries throughout his rookie campaign, have been well-documented. Ballard noted that Richardson’s inability to stay healthy was the primary reason for pursuing competition for him in the first place.
However, it appears that Richardson will not be given another chance to prove himself as the starter. Steichen stated that Jones has proven he can do the job, and with a $14 million one-year deal, he represents the Colts’ best bet for winning in 2025.
The decision is seen as a significant gamble by some, who question whether the Colts have simply quit on Richardson. The organization’s poker faces are now showing, and it remains to be seen if this gamble will pay off with a playoff berth at minimum.
Richardson’s future with the team is uncertain, and his agent has expressed skepticism about the quarterback’s chances of returning as the starter. With all their chips seemingly pushed to the center table, the Colts’ decision to bench Richardson in favor of Jones sets the stage for an intense 2025 season.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6563438/2025/08/20/anthony-richardson-colts-qb-battle