The Indianapolis Colts might part ways with quarterback Anthony Richardson this offseason. If that happens, he could eventually turn out to be a star with another team.
Indianapolis drafted Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Of course, when someone is drafted that high, they are expected to become a team’s franchise quarterback. However, that hasn’t been the case thus far.
Colts Quarterback Anthony Richardson Could Become a Star On a Different Team
Looking Back at Anthony Richardson’s Career
Due to injury, Anthony Richardson missed all but four games as a rookie. He returned to the field the following season, hoping to win Comeback Player of the Year Honors. Yet, he had another disappointing year. Richardson battled injuries, was benched temporarily, and struggled with accuracy issues. In 2024, he passed for 1,814 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed for 499 yards and six touchdowns. In addition, he posted a 6-5 record as Indy’s starter.
Richardson had a few great moments in 2024. He had a game-winning touchdown run in Week 11 against the New York Jets. Then, in Week 13 versus the New England Patriots, he orchestrated a 19-play drive capped off with a two-point conversion.
This season, Richardson lost his starting job to newcomer Daniel Jones. On October 13, Richardson was placed on injured reserve after fracturing the orbital bone in his eye during pregame warmups. He appeared in just two games this season, completing one of his two passes (to himself) for nine yards.
A Change of Scenery Can Help
Anthony Richardson has looked like a bust so far. However, it’s not the end of the world. He can still achieve success with another team other than the Colts.
Sometimes, a change of scenery can make a huge difference. Just look at Baker Mayfield. The Cleveland Browns drafted the former Heisman Trophy winner first overall in 2018. Considered a bust in Cleveland, Mayfield later became a star with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made the Pro Bowl in both 2023 and 2024.
Sam Darnold is another prime example of someone who went from a bust to a star. The USC product was selected two picks after Mayfield in the 2018 draft (New York Jets). Darnold lasted just a few seasons in New York before having not-so-great stints with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers.
Yet, Darnold emerged as a starter with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. He led the team to a 14-3 record that year and made his first Pro Bowl. Then he also led the Seattle Seahawks to a 14-3 record this season.
It doesn’t appear that Anthony Richardson has a future with the Colts. Jones, who suffered an Achilles injury, is expected to re-sign with the team and be the starter. Meanwhile, Riley Leonard will likely serve as Jones’ primary backup. That means Anthony Richardson could very well get traded.
Surely, several quarterback-needy teams would be interested in acquiring him. And if he gets the opportunity, he could ultimately pull a Baker Mayfield/Sam Darnold.
Richardson has gobs of potential. He’s extremely athletic, but needs to work on his passing and find a way to stay healthy.
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