The Indianapolis Colts are under pressure to deliver a strong 2025 NFL season. One of the key issues they must address is the ongoing quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones—but the team’s ownership may have just hinted at who has the upper hand.

In 2023, the Colts selected Anthony Richardson in the first round of the NFL Draft. He entered the league with high expectations, often compared to Cam Newton due to his size, athleticism, and play style.

Richardson was a different kind of quarterback than Colts fans were used to—more mobile and dynamic. Unfortunately, that mobility also led to injury concerns, which limited his playing time and development.

Colts principal owner gives major update on starting QB battle

The Colts haven’t had much luck at the quarterback position in recent years. Once home to legends like Peyton Manning, the position has since become one of the franchise’s biggest question marks.

Richardson was supposed to be the long-term answer when he arrived in 2023. But so far, due to injuries and inconsistent performances, he hasn’t lived up to those expectations.

To create competition and depth, the Colts acquired Daniel Jones this offseason. After a disappointing stint with the New York Giants, Jones is hoping to revive his career in Indianapolis and earn the starting role.

However, Colts principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon—who recently took over day-to-day control of the team—has already hinted at which quarterback she prefers.

Speaking about the upcoming QB competition, Irsay-Gordon referred to Anthony Richardson as her favorite, suggesting he’s still seen as the team’s primary option moving forward.

“We drafted Anthony for a reason, and we believe in him,” Carlie Irsay-Gordon told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s incredibly talented, and sometimes when you draft players, they have rough starts, they have injuries, they’ve got those things that they need to go through. But I think it’s way too early to tell. . . .

“I think he’s — he has all the potential in the world, and if he wants to prove it, he can. And he will, if he wants to.”