Colts 2nd-year QB Anthony Richardson is viewed as 2025’s presumptive starting quarterback for Indianapolis.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts 2nd-year quarterback Anthony Richardson is viewed as the ‘presumptive starter’ for the 2025 season next year—after he’s demonstrated notable growth following his earlier 2-game benching:
“Sources say that the former first-rounder, who was benched earlier this season before regaining his starting job, is viewed as the presumptive starter for next season,” Rapoport writes. “In particular, Indy brass has been pleased with how he responded from the benching before Week 9 and how his attention to detail and preparation has increased as a result.”
“In last week’s win, with the game on the line, Richardson’s 10-yard pass to Michael Pittman on third-and-8 with two minutes to go to essentially ice the game was an example of the team trusting him and Richardson delivering. It was a significant step forward for all parties. The Colts have won three of their past five games, and Richardson has made key plays in all of them.”
“The foot and back issues forcing Richardson out for Sunday’s game against the Giants are not considered long-term injuries. As coach Shane Steichen, OC Jim Bob Cooter and Richardson all enter their third season together, the hope is that it all crystalizes in continued success.”
During 11 starts, Richardson has completed 126 of 264 pass attempts (47.7%) for 1,814 total passing yards, 8 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, as well as amassed 499 total rushing yards on 86 carries (5.8 ypc. avg.) and 6 rushing touchdowns.
However, since being benched, Richardson has shown significant strides as a passer, looking poised, composed, and clearly progressing through his receiving reads. Instead of going for the ‘home run ball,’ he’s playing well within himself, taking what the defense gives him, and making the efficient football play to better move the sticks and sustain long scoring drives. He’s also shown some clutchness with some late 4th quarter winning drives.
That being said, there is still some work to do regarding improving his accuracy, which simply has to increase from just a 47.7% completion rate going forward, even with his elite dual-threat mobility.
When they selected him with the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Colts knew he was going to be a ‘work in progress’ as a passer. Nothing they’ve seen should surprise them.
Still only 22 years old, he’s shown enough flashes down the stretch where the Colts should continue the course with Richardson for at least one more season to better find out what they really have with him. In particular, this upcoming NFL Draft class doesn’t appear to have any ‘can’t miss’ QB prospects, particularly where Indianapolis is projected to pick.
The Colts have gone the ‘retread free agent quarterback route,’ but outside of one year of grizzled veteran Philip Rivers before he retired, it really hasn’t worked out.
Someone like Minnesota Vikings soon-to-be free agent quarterback Sam Darnold could at least be interesting. Certainly not Kirk Cousins. In the end though, the Colts need to draft and develop their long-term starter to return to being a perennial AFC juggernaut.
From that perspective, they’re rightfully rolling the dice with Richardson for 2025.