Colts GM ramps up pressure on Anthony Richardson amid starting QB battle with Daniel Jones

In 2023, the Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Richardson to be their starting quarterback. However, with the arrival of Daniel Jones this offseason, his job may no longer be entirely secure.

The departure of Peyton Manning in 2010 left a massive void for the Colts. After years with one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history leading their offense, nothing has been the same since his exit.

Following Manning’s departure, the front office has been on a seemingly endless search for his true successor. Despite multiple attempts, none have solidified themselves as the long-term solution under center.

Colts GM makes bold statement about Anthony Richardson’s chances in starting QB battle

Having a reliable quarterback is essential to achieving success in the NFL. Unfortunately, not every team finds one easily, and the Colts are a prime example of how long that search can take.

There’s no doubt the Colts once had an elite quarterback in Peyton Manning—a future Hall of Famer who transformed the franchise. But his exit created a lasting challenge for the organization.

In 2023, Indianapolis made another bold attempt to end their quarterback woes by selecting Anthony Richardson with the 4th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Widely viewed as a high-upside prospect, Richardson was seen as someone who could finally stabilize the position.

His time in the league has shown promise, but injuries have prevented him from gaining real momentum. As a result, the team brought in Daniel Jones this offseason to compete for the starting job. Still, the front office continues to view Richardson as their primary quarterback moving forward.

“I just think eventually Anthony’s going to be who we think he can be,” general manager Chris Ballard said, per TheAthletic.com. “I still believe that. Whether that’s this year or next, I don’t know when it’s going to happen.”

Who will start for the Colts in the 2025 NFL season?

Daniel Jones’ arrival has raised plenty of questions for Colts fans. Although Anthony Richardson is still considered the favorite to start, his injury-plagued first two seasons haven’t given him complete job security.

According to reports, the Colts will make their final decision by the end of the preseason. While Richardson is expected to be under center in Week 1, Daniel Jones—a former first-round pick himself—is also seen as a viable option to lead the offense in 2025.