Some NFL media voices are growing restless as the Indianapolis Colts gear up for a quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones in 2025’s training camp, unwilling to wait and see how it unfolds.
The Colts are set on letting Richardson, their 2023 No. 3 overall pick, battle Jones for the starting quarterback role in 2025, banking on the clash between two former first-rounders to spark improvement in one. Richardson has struggled in his first two seasons, with a 50.6% completion rate and more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (11). Still, Colts GM Chris Ballard remains optimistic, stating in April that he sees “major upside” in Richardson, signaling confidence in his potential to secure the job long-term.
However, skeptics like Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport are already writing off Richardson, claiming the Colts “know” he’s not their future quarterback. Davenport even suggested trading Richardson before the 2025 season and handing the reins to Jones, arguing, “Richardson has been so bad that Daniel Jones was brought in to compete for the starting job. If that competition is truly fair, Jones will win — he can at least throw an accurate pass occasionally. Harsh, but true.” He added, “If the Colts get a reasonable offer for Richardson, they should take it and let another team figure out what Indy already knows: he’s not an NFL starter.”
**Why Trading Richardson Makes No Sense**
Trading Anthony Richardson before the 2025 season is highly improbable. Ballard drafted Richardson knowing he’d need time to develop into a reliable NFL quarterback. Despite his early inconsistencies, the Colts brought in Jones to push Richardson, not to replace him, believing he can still become their franchise cornerstone. Ballard has emphasized that both quarterbacks will contribute to the team’s success in 2025, saying, “Sometimes you gotta struggle before you can be good.”
Ballard’s job security may hinge on Richardson’s progress, given the team’s struggle to replace Andrew Luck since his 2019 retirement. Trading Richardson if Jones wins the starting job would be shortsighted. Jones, cut by the Giants just 21 months into a $160 million deal due to poor performance, is no guaranteed solution. If the Colts traded Richardson and Jones flopped, they’d be left without a viable quarterback option.
**Richardson’s Make-or-Break Year**
While a trade is unlikely, 2025 is a pivotal year for Richardson, with two years left on his $33.9 million rookie contract. He must show significant improvement to secure his future with the Colts. Beating Jones in camp would be a strong start, but it won’t cement his role. Richardson needs to boost his passing accuracy, stay healthy for a full season, and prove he can help the Colts win. If he stumbles, Jones is waiting in the wings.
Should Richardson fail to progress, the Colts’ patience may wear thin by 2026, especially if the 2025 season flops, potentially leading to changes in the front office and the end of Richardson’s tenure in Indianapolis.
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