Anthony Richardson Wins Colts’ Backup QB Competition

Head coach Shane Steichen announced that Richardson has won the QB2 job (h/t ESPN’s Stephen Holder). The former No. 4 pick has been a storyline throughout the offseason, one in which a trade was requested. Richardson is still in the fold at this time, though, and he is set to handle backup duties behind Daniel Jones.

“I was honored,” Richardson said (Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk) when speaking about the news. “I’m just blessed to continue to find a way to lead, continue to find my way on the roster. I’m just thankful they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2. I’m just ready to work and I’m willing to work with the team and provide my best self for this squad and help us win.”

Upon earning the starting gig right away during his rookie season, Richardson made just four appearances before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. In 2024, the Florida product largely struggled during an 11-game stint. Jones handled starting duties last season until suffering an Achilles tear; the Colts ended the year with Philip Rivers briefly unretiring to handling QB1 duties.

Richardson landed on injured reserve following an eye injury suffered during warmups. Concerns over his vision emerged as one of the concerns among teams considering a trade for the 24-year-old, whose market was not particularly strong. After failing to line up a satisfactory trade deal for Richardson, the Colts made clear their willingness to carry three passers on their active roster. Several teams around the league have taken that approach, with some rostering four signal-callers at this point. Richardson has been on track to remain with Indianapolis since at least mid-August.

To no surprise, Richardson’s 2027 fifth-year option was declined this spring. As a result, he is a pending free agent. Leonard, by contrast, has three years remaining on his rookie contract. The Colts will keep Leonard in place as a developmental option, but for at least the time being Jones will be backed up by Richardson despite the uncertainty looming over his future.