Some Indianapolis Colts fans consider Anthony Richardson a bust. And that makes sense, seeing how disappointing his career has gone so far. But could he shut up the doubters and have a breakout 2025 season?
The Colts drafted Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was supposed to end the quarterback carousel and become the team’s first franchise quarterback since Andrew Luck. However, he would play just four games as a rookie due to injury.
Indianapolis hoped Richardson would break out this season and show why he was a top-five pick. But unfortunately, it was another disappointing campaign for the former Florida star. He missed six games due to injury and was benched temporarily in favor of Joe Flacco.
Richardson threw for 1,814 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He also rushed for 499 yards and six touchdowns.
Richardson only completed 47.7 percent of his passes this season which is horrible. But it’s way too early to label him a bust. He’s only played for two years. 2025 could prove to be his breakout year if he can somehow improve during the offseason.
Can Anthony Richardson Make a Giant Year 3 Leap with the Indianapolis Colts?
Notable Quarterbacks Who’ve Ditched the “Bust” Label
C.J. Stroud, who was drafted two spots before Richardson, immediately became an impact player. The 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year has led the Houston Texans to the playoffs in each of his two seasons. However, every top-five pick quarterback isn’t like Stroud. Sometimes, it takes a while to develop.
Take a look at Baker Mayfield. The Heisman Trophy winner out of Oklahoma was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. Although Mayfield did lead the Browns to the playoffs in 2020, he was considered a bust for most of his time with the franchise.
The Browns traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers in 2022. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023 after short stints with the Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. Mayfield has blossomed into a star with the Buccaneers. He made his first career Pro Bowl in 2023. More importantly, he has powered the team to the playoffs in his seasons with Tampa Bay.
Speaking of quarterbacks drafted in 2018, Sam Darnold is another player who has shed the dreaded “bust” label. He was drafted by the New York Jets third overall, two picks after Mayfield.
Darnold lasted only three seasons with the Jets. And just like Mayfield, he was traded to the Panthers. Darnold signed with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason after forgettable stints with the Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. He took off this season in Minnesota, making his first Pro Bowl and leading the 14-3 Vikings to the playoffs. Darnold threw for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. And he’ll be the top free-agent quarterback this spring, looking for a huge payday.
There is Hope for Anthony Richardson
People are quick to say Anthony Richardson is a bust. They love to say he’s the next JaMarcus Russell or Ryan Leaf. Sure, that might wind up being the case later on. But right now, he’s not a bust.
Richardson has the potential to become a star. He’s extremely athletic and can make exciting plays with his legs. He, of course, needs to work on his accuracy issues during the offseason. Again, 47.7 percent is not good at all.
The Colts are expected to bring in competition for Richardson. That should only push him to want to be better. If he can stay healthy and improve immensely as a passer, making a major Year 3 leap isn’t out of the question.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
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