Pro Football Focus recently named the “biggest roster decision” for each NFL team. So, what did they select for the Indianapolis Colts?
As expected, this selection centers around quarterback Anthony Richardson, specifically, determining his status for the upcoming season.
“The Colts will need to add another backup to Richardson with Joe Flacco hitting free agency, but the key question is how aggressive they want to be in that quarterback market,” wrote PFF’s Bradley Locker. “Whatever moves general manager Chris Ballard makes at quarterback next to Richardson will speak volumes about how the organization feels.”
General manager Chris Ballard did say after the season that there will be competition this summer for Richardson. Now, to what extent, as Locker highlights, that remains to be seen.
The Colts are not yet ready to move on from Richardson, but with his injury history and inconsistent play, need a backup plan at quarterback, and I’m sure the hope internally is that a strong competition would help elevate Richardson’s play.
But when it comes to adding that element to the roster, it’s not as if there are a ton of options. Quarterbacks like Sam Darnold or Russell Wilson won’t provide that competition element because both would likely be expected to start–not to mention that Darnold is in-store for a big pay day.
Attempting to add competition through the draft likely means spending an early round pick on a quarterback, and given the holes on the roster elsewhere, plus Ballard’s need to win now, I don’t envision the Colts going down that path.
As has been highlighted recently by a couple of NFL analysts, Jameis Winston and Justin Fields are two free agents who could be in that sweet spot for the Colts. Neither will break the salary cap bank, a short-term deal will be fine, and they’ll push Richardson, but both Winston and Fields have been backups recently as well, if that’s how things play out. Mason Rudolph could also be another option.
After returning to the starting lineup last season, Richardson’s play did improve. Beyond his numbers and the two fourth quarter comebacks, he also was in greater command of the offense, was operating within the timing and structure of the play, and in rhythm.
We also saw Shane Steichen more willing to get Richardson involved in the run game.
One big difference between this offseason and last is that Richardson is fully healthy this time around and he’ll be working with the same quarterback coach that Josh Allen used earlier in this career. Hopefully, these factors can be catalysts towards improved play.
It’s early in the offseason, but entering Year 3, it feels like a make or break season for Richardson. There will be competition for him, but in what capacity remains to be seen. Regardless, the expectation–and hope–is that it results in more steady play.