Anthony Richardson’s time with the Indianapolis Colts has been one bumpy ride.
Head coach Shane Steichen officially named Daniel Jones the team’s starter for Week 1, which might end up closing the book on the former Florida star’s time in Indianapolis – or maybe not.
Richardson’s road to with the Colts took another twist on Aug. 19 evening when the passer’s agent, Deiric Jackson, spoke with ESPN and expressed his disappointment with the club.
‘We have a lot to discuss,’ Jackson told ESPN.
The agent questioned whether the decision to start Jones was a predetermined one, dating back to the quarterback’s signing to a one-year, $14 million deal in March. Jackson continued, suggesting the team has damaged their credibility with their handling of Richardson.
‘Trust is a big factor and that is, at best, questionable right now,’ Jackson said. ‘Anthony came back and made the improvements in the areas he needed to improve. And by all accounts, he had a great camp.’
Richardson took the decision in stride, saying he has to keep growing.
‘[Steichen] made a decision,’ Richardson said. ‘That’s the decision we’ve got to live with, but no hard feelings, nothing personal. I’ve just got to keep growing. I just can’t let me not being a starter stop me from going and being the person, the player that I’m supposed to be.’
The quarterback hasn’t necessarily helped his case, whether by health or production. He has played in just 15 of a possible 34 games in two seasons, completing 50.6% of passes, throwing 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Richardson also famously pulled himself out of a game against the Houston Texans in 2024, which led to him being benched for two games before eventually returning to the starting lineup.
This offseason, the quarterback battled a shoulder injury. It kept him sidelined for mandatory minicamp, giving Jones a potential advantage in the competition.
It’s unclear whether Richardson will eventually request a trade, but he remains on the roster for the time being. Jackson believes that his client can still play in the league, citing his playmaking abillity.
‘When they needed a big play last year,’ Jackson said via ESPN, ‘whose hands did they put the ball in? Anthony’s.’
This winding road has also seen its fair share of peaks and valleys, but Tuesday’s news saw another detour sign pop up at an inopportune time. The next question is where that detour leads.
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