When the Indianapolis Colts signed Daniel Jones earlier this offseason, it was clear they intended to motivate their starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson. They fueled that motivation further on Monday with a statement from Head Coach Shane Steichen, as reported by James Boyd of The Athletic.
“It’ll start in the spring. They’re going to split the (starting) reps during spring practice and into training camp,” Steichen said. “Ultimately, it’ll come down to who is the most consistent and productive. (He) will be the starter.”
This season is crucial for both the Colts and Richardson, as they must decide whether to exercise Richardson’s fifth-year option after the 2025 season.
Indianapolis General Manager Chris Ballard minimized the pressure on Richardson, stating, “everybody’s developmental timeline is a little different,” and emphasized that they won’t give up on him, even if he doesn’t win the job this offseason.
Initially, it might seem unreasonable for Richardson to have this kind of leeway, especially considering that other quarterbacks have been given fewer opportunities to prove themselves as starters.
However, Richardson’s age is an important factor to consider. He was just 20 years old when drafted and will turn 23 in May. He’s actually younger now than Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels were during their rookie seasons, which explains why his development has taken longer than other first-round quarterbacks.
Another key concern is how the Colts plan to handle team dynamics during the quarterback competition. With players vying for the starting position, there’s a potential for tension in the locker room. However, Ballard is confident that both Jones and Richardson will maintain professionalism.
“I think people create a hate image when there’s a pure competition, and that’s not (the case),” Ballard explained. “When you’re wearing the same emblem on the helmet, it’s about the team… They don’t have to be best friends, but when they’re in that room every day, there has to be mutual respect in how you handle business.”
The competition between Richardson and Jones will kick off on April 21st, the first day of OTAs.
Richardson has shown glimpses of brilliance during his career, but this season will require him to find consistency. If he fails to do so, he will have the 27-year-old Jones looking over his shoulder.
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