2025 could be the last season for Anthony Richardson in Indiana. The young Indianapolis Colts quarterback could go on to become one of the worst busts in NFL history. Yes, that could happen, but he could also turn out to be a superstar. Sure, when you think of Anthony Richardson, you probably don’t think of “Future Star” after his no-so-legendary start to his career. But believe it or not, he could wind up developing into Indy’s franchise quarterback.
Hold Your Horses, Anthony Richardson Could Be the Future of the Indianapolis Colts
Disappointing Career Thus Far
The 2022 season was horrible for the Colts. And that’s not an understatement. The team finished 4-12-1 that year. Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, and Nick Foles each had started at quarterback. As a result, Indianapolis wound up landing the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Carolina Panthers chose Bryce Young with the top pick and fellow quarterback C.J. Stroud went second overall to the Houston Texans. Indianapolis, of course, passed up Will Levis and drafted Richardson with the fourth pick. Meanwhile, Levis slid to the second round and was selected by the Tennessee Titans.
In Richardson, the Colts thought they had found their first franchise QB since Andrew Luck retired in 2019. However, Richardson has been far from a superstar so far. He played only four games as a rookie due to injury. He was supposed to have a healthy, breakout year last season. Yet, he was a major disappointment. Richardson battled injuries and was benched temporarily in favor of Joe Flacco. When he was on the field, Richardson struggled mightily as a passer. He completed only 47.7 percent of his passes in 2024.
Is Richardson the Colts’ Future?
Anthony Richardson’s career hasn’t been pretty. But there have been some positive signs that he can be a star. His 60-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce last season was a thing of beauty. No doubt about it, he proved he has a cannon for an arm.
Richardson looked impressive in the Colts’ road win over the New York Jets. In that game, he led a six-play, 70-yard drive that ended with his game-winning rushing touchdown. He finished with a career-high 272 passing yards and a touchdown as well as 32 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 28-27 victory.
Richardson also looked great in the comeback victory over the New England Patriots in Week 13. He engineered a 19-play drive that ended with a touchdown to Pierce and then a two-point conversion.
Anthony Richardson has a strong arm and can make exciting plays as a runner. He needs to improve his accuracy, though, and somehow find a way to stay healthy. The Colts signed Daniel Jones this offseason. The former New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings quarterback will compete with Richardson for the Colts’ starting job. Indianapolis is hoping the competition will push Richardson to elevate his game in 2025. Some Colts fans are waiting for the team to draft Arch Manning in the 2026 draft. But wait a minute, Anthony Richardson might be a Colt for a long time if he can figure things out.
Main Image: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
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