Colts Management on Anthony Richardson’s Future

The Indianapolis Colts’ management isn’t overly concerned that this season will define Anthony Richardson’s career. As he enters his third year in the NFL, Richardson has faced a series of highs and lows, marked by injuries and inconsistencies, having played in just 15 out of a potential 34 games.

Even from the beginning of Richardson’s tumultuous journey, Colts general manager Chris Ballard has expressed that young quarterbacks don’t necessarily need to have a breakout season right away.

“Sometimes, you need a little patience and allow a player to develop,” Ballard shared with reporters on Tuesday. “If you see that he’s on the right path, why would you rush to make a change just because of outside opinions? I don’t agree with that approach.” Ballard is backing Richardson, though the team has brought in former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, whose presence adds competition for the starting role.

Ballard also pointed out examples from other teams when discussing the importance of not prematurely giving up on Richardson. “Do you think people regret the timelines of Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold?” he asked, highlighting that both quarterbacks had better success after leaving the teams that drafted them.

The Browns moved on from Mayfield after four inconsistent seasons, and he’s now thriving with the Buccaneers. Darnold has passed through several teams since being drafted by the Jets in 2018, even leading the Vikings to the playoffs last year and earning a spot in the Pro Bowl.

These remarks come shortly after Colts owner Carlie Irsay Gordon stated that there’s still ample time for Richardson to establish himself as a franchise quarterback. “He has the opportunity to prove himself,” she noted. “It creates a sense of urgency, and nothing drives urgency like competition.”