Colts' Daniel Jones May End Anthony Richardson Sr.'s Relevance

It's often difficult to decipher what Steichen means when interacting with the media, but this sounds, to me, like "Richardson isn't a concern for us right now at quarterback."

There was a narrative that if Jones performed like he had in his previous six years with the New York Giants early in the 2025 season, Richardson would get a chance to step in and have another opportunity to start for Steichen's offense if the former were benched for bad quarterbacking.

But, so far, it doesn't appear to be unfolding that way for the former Duke Blue Devils QB. The next question is: What if Jones finishes 2025 strong and can potentially solve Indy's long-standing QB issue?

Follow-up question: What does that mean for Richardson's future in the Circle City? In short, it could mean he's done with the Colts.

Richardson's ceiling is far higher than Jones', and if (hypothetically) Richardson was able to figure out his accuracy issues and overall setbacks as a quarterback, he elevates Steichen's offensive scheme more than Jones can.

However, with how much offensive talent the Colts possess in names like running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and rookie tight end Tyler Warren, Steichen simply needed a quarterback who could operate the offense fluidly.

That description fits Jones, not Richardson.

Nobody batted an eye when Jones decided to come to Indianapolis in free agency on a one-year, $14 million deal. Initially, during the offseason, the battle between Jones and Richardson appeared to be very close, with neither truly separating themselves.

But once the dust began to settle and preseason football was underway, Steichen started to praise Jones quite a bit, while his comments on Richardson started to appear to be that of a coach looking at a backup quarterback.

Now, it's clear that the coaching staff trusts Jones far more, and this is especially the case knowing that the former Giants signal-caller was a key component in decimating the Dolphins last Sunday.

It's very early in the 2025 campaign, and Indy's matchup with the Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium marks just the second start for Jones in a Colts uniform, but if the momentum continues, Richardson's time with Indianapolis will begin to draw to an end.

There's always a chance Indy does something similar to what the Minnesota Vikings did with Sam Darnold, which was allow the quarterback to walk in free agency despite a career year in favor of their youngster (J.J. McCarthy). But, it might end up going the opposite way, with the Colts investing in Jones.

It's foggy for Richardson, and it may get thicker if Jones succeeds in year seven.

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