Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is approaching what many see as a pivotal moment in his NFL career. Following a rough second season, the Colts have brought in veteran Daniel Jones to compete for the starting job.
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus considers the upcoming season a “make-or-break” one for the third-year quarterback out of Florida.
“Heading into just his third NFL season, Richardson is already at a crossroads in Indianapolis,” Wasserman writes. “Injuries and accuracy issues have plagued his first two seasons, as he’s played less than 800 snaps and has earned just a 58.7 PFF passing grade in that time.”
That 58.7 grade is significantly below average for NFL quarterbacks. While Richardson has shown flashes of elite playmaking, those moments have been inconsistent. His 47.7% completion rate in 2024 reflects just how poorly he performed. That number also doesn’t account for his decision to remove himself from a crucial game moment last season—a clear leadership concern. Walking off the field due to fatigue is a stark example of what leadership isn’t.
Wasserman adds that Richardson’s current offseason has been just as turbulent. The team has not only added Jones to the roster but Richardson is also undergoing evaluation for a potential shoulder injury.
“This offseason has been just as tumultuous for him, as Daniel Jones was brought in to compete for the starting quarterback job,” Wasserman writes. “Richardson is also having his shoulder evaluated for a potential injury. Unless he can make a rapid ascent within the next few months, his time in Indianapolis could be coming to a close far sooner than he expected.”
Richardson Falling Below Acceptable Performance Levels
Richardson’s 47.7% completion rate falls well below what would be considered a baseline for NFL starters. While the Mendoza Line in baseball refers to a .200 batting average, this NFL equivalent paints a grim picture.
According to PFF’s latest quarterback rankings, Richardson came in at No. 30 out of 32 potential starters—only ahead of Mason Rudolph (who is no longer a starter) and rookie Tyler Shough.
“Richardson could arguably be slotted in Tier 5, as he’s yet to complete a full, healthy season since entering the NFL,” PFF’s John Kosko explains. “The concerns go beyond durability. His grading profile is poor, and he struggles to run an efficient offense, read defenses and deliver the ball accurately. In fact, his accuracy ranks among the worst in the league.
With Daniel Jones waiting in the wings, Richardson faces an uphill battle and could be on a short leash if early-season improvement doesn’t materialize.”
At this point, while Richardson hasn’t officially earned the dreaded “bust” label, he’s not far from it.
His Starting Role Slipping Away
Between his injury, a disappointing 2024 season (where he went 6-5 with 1,814 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions), and the signing of a credible backup in Daniel Jones, Richardson’s future as a starter looks shaky.
To make matters worse, Jones has reportedly been adjusting well to the Colts’ offensive system.
“Daniel Jones has had a really nice spring, by all accounts, in picking up Shane Steichen’s offense in Indy,” Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated writes. “Even if Anthony Richardson is cleared for the start of training camp, he may be chasing Jones for the Colts’ starting job.”
Right now, that seems like the most probable outcome. Richardson was selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 draft because of his athletic ceiling. But unless he can start reaching that potential soon, he may find himself needing a change of scenery to revive his NFL career.
