The Indianapolis Colts declared Anthony Richardson their Week 1 starter on Tuesday.
This year’s No. 4 overall pick won the job over Gardner Minshew. Per 107.5 The Fan’s Kevin Bowen, the 27-year-old quarterback took the news in stride.
“I totally understand, and I’m all-in with what we got going,” Minshew said of the team’s decision. “I can’t stress enough, I’m really excited about Anthony. I think he’s going to be really special. I think he’s got a great opportunity here.”
Gardner Minshew on the news of Anthony Richardson being named the starter:
“…I totally understand & I’m all-in with what we got going. I can’t stress enough, I’m really excited about Anthony, I think he’s going to be really special. I think he’s got a great opportunity here.”
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) August 15, 2023
According to Alexa Ross of CBS4Indy, Minshew has high expectations for Richardson.
“This is his franchise,” Minshew declared. “There’s a reason he was picked where he was. He’s gonna be really special.”
Gardner Minshew on Anthony Richardson being named the starter: “This is his franchise. There’s a reason he was picked where he was. He’s gonna be really special” #ForTheShoe @CBS4Indy | @FOX59
— Alexa Ross (@AlexaRossTV) August 15, 2023
Minshew followed his former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen, to Indianapolis after backing up Jalen Hurts for two seasons. The Colts signed him to a one-year, $3.5 million contract a month before drafting Richardson.
Everyone knew the Colts were planning to pick a quarterback, so Minshew likely realized he was at most a bridge option to start 2023.
Over four seasons, Minshew has notched a 93.1 quarterback rating with 7.1 yards per pass attempt. The former sixth-round pick is a strong backup, but he’s not seen as a long-term fixture.
Richardson, on the other hand, enters the league with superstar potential.
He’s dazzled scouts with off-the-charts athleticism, but he’s also unpolished. Richardson completed just 53.8 percent of his passes at Florida last season, so many onlookers thought the 21-year-old could benefit from a 2023 apprenticeship.
The Colts will instead let Richardson learn on the job. He’ll make his NFL debut against Minshew’s former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.