The Indianapolis Colts have not made it to the playoffs since the 2020 season. There was a lot of speculation about head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard being fired after the 2024 season after missing the playoffs once again.
The Colts decided to keep them both entering the 2025 season. Indianapolis decided to sign quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year deal in the offseason in order to compete with Anthony Richardson. Richardson has been dealing with injury issues during the offseason. He was also the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from the Florida Gators. Could this be it for Richardson with the Colts or could he be with the team for the long haul?
Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard Makes Bold Statement About Anthony Richardson Entering 2025 NFL Season
Zak Keefer of The Athletic covers the Colts and interviewed the Colts general manager about Richardson. Many fans are wondering if Indianapolis will keep Richardson for the long-term or not, especially if Jones were to beat him out for the starting job. Ballard said about being patient with Richardson moving forward,
“I just think eventually Anthony’s going to be who we think he can be. I still believe that. Whether that’s this year or next, I don’t know when it’s going to happen.”
It appears as if Indianapolis could have a plan to start Jones in 2025 and have Richardson sit and learn. This is what maybe the Colts should have done with him during his rookie season. Richardson is only 23 years old. During the 2024 season with Indianapolis, he only completed 47.7% of his passes for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Richardson also rushed for 499 yards on 86 carries and six touchdowns, along with averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The Colts will be one of the more mystery box teams in the NFL for the 2025 season. If Jones starts, it probably means that Richardson may not see the field at all in 2025, unless Jones gets injured. Ballard can say that they will be patient with him, but there could be a chance that they could trade him to another team for a fresh start moving forward.
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