The Indianapolis Colts, despite the struggles at quarterback, were right on the cusp of a playoff appearance thanks to an electric run game and a stout defensive performance all-year round. But, to take that next step, the team needs more production at their QB spot.
While Anthony Richardson has shown flashes of his potential and rocket arm, he hasn’t been consistent or reliable enough through his first two NFL seasons. Now, the front office has a potential plan in place to bring out the best in him.
Anthony Richardson Faces Potential Competition for Starting Job
Last year, Richardson suited up for 11 games and tallied just 1,814 yards with a completion percentage under 50%. As a result, finding any kind of consistency for the offense was a struggle, and the team even started Joe Flacco for a brief run to steer the ship.
Next season, Colts GM Chris Ballard doesn’t want a similar scenario. Instead, speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, he made it clear that Indy will be adding another quarterback to challenge Richardson for the starting job. To him, it’s necessary to create some competition for the starting job in order to bring out the best in the 22-year-old.
“It’s got to be the right guy to create real competition. But we want to create real competition,” Ballard said. “I think it’s good for the team. I think it’s good for Anthony. We drafted Anthony high knowing it was going to take some time. And we knew there’s going to be some hiccups along the way.”
Despite the waning patience of both the media and the fanbase, Ballard remains optimistic about the future. Further, his comments seem to indicate that he still believes Richardson could be their long-term answer at quarterback.
#Colts GM Chris Ballard says it will be good for QB Anthony Richardson to bring in some competition. The team will be looking to bring in the right kind of talent this offseason to bring that competition. #ForTheShoe | @WISHNews8 pic.twitter.com/MfPxiAoPc6
— Angela Moryan (@AngelaMoryanTV) February 25, 2025
“And I know we all want a finished product right now — I do, you do, fans do, we all do. But I think as he continues to progress in his young career, us adding competition, I think, will help [raise] everybody’s game,” he said.
Will the Colts add a QB through the draft, free agency, or via a trade? “Everything’s on the table,” Ballard said.
In PFSN’s Best Free Agents By Position, the top quarterbacks available are Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson, but Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, Aaron Rodgers, and Kirk Cousins could potentially be available this offseason either via free agency or trade as well.
But, a relatively lackluster QB draft class might be where the Colts try to strike. Potentially late in the draft, the team could take a flyer on a signal-caller, as PFSN’s latest mock draft sees them do with Max Brosmer from Minnesota with the 234th overall pick.
Later, when asked whether the quarterback battle will be an “open” competition with both players having a real shot at the starting job, Ballard responded, “Yes, that’s correct.”
However, Ballard still believes strongly in Richardson and even spoke about the conversations he had with him. “Anthony’s accepted all of it. He understands there needs to be some growth in his work. That’s the one thing that I’m really proud of him about.
“There’s no deferring or defensiveness. It’s like, ‘I know. I gotta go to work.’ I think understanding the enormity of who the QB is and what the value of that position is.” But, he also mentioned that it cannot always be a Herculean effort from him.
At a gathering of local media after his presser, Colts GM Chris Ballard was asked if had spoken to Anthony Richardson and to clarify that he (Ballard) did in fact mean it's an open competition at QB. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/Z33wr81VaC
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) February 25, 2025
“For a six-game stretch there, we saw some really special stuff out of him. Now we just gotta get consistent,” Ballard said.
It looks like time is running out for Richardson to prove himself, and it sounds like next season could very well be boom or bust for the youngster.
