When the Indianapolis Colts selected former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they felt that they were getting a long-term franchise quarterback. So far, through his first two seasons, Richardson has not come close to proving the front office right.
In his rookie year, Richardson dealt with major injury issues and played in just four games. He completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while picking up 136 yards and four scores on the ground.
Fast forward to year two. Richardson played in 11 games, dealing with more injury problems and a benching. He threw for 1,814 yards to go along with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions, completing 47.7 percent of his pass attempts. Richardson ran for 499 yards and six touchdowns.
Entering the 2025 season, Richardson may already be on his final chance to prove that he can be an NFL starter for the Colts. Indianapolis already signed Daniel Jones in free agency to come in and compete with him.
Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson Hit with Huge Take Ahead of 2025 Season
With all of that being said, Richardson has received a strong take ahead of his third NFL season.
Bleacher Report analyst Gary Davenport named the 22-year-old Colts’ quarterback as one of the players throughout the league with the most at stake during the 2025 campaign.
“There may not be pressure from outside onlookers yet, but make no mistake—there’s plenty of it on Richardson as we move toward the offseason,” Davenport wrote. “Because unless Richardson shows marked improvement as a passer in camp, Jones is going to be the Colts Week 1 starter. And Richardson will be one of the biggest draft busts in recent memory.”
Of course, it’s important to remember that Richardson is just 22 years old. Indianapolis drafted a very young quarterback with little playing experience compared to most NFL quarterback prospects.
While the Colts are doing their best to remain patient with him, Richardson is wearing their patience thin. Only time will tell, but he has to show something this season or risk being shipped out of town.
