Anthony Richardson will open the season as the Indianapolis Colts’ backup quarterback, and he made it clear Thursday that he’s not spending much time on the trade chatter.
Shane Steichen officially named Daniel Jones the starter, with Richardson sliding into the No. 2 role and Riley Leonard losing the job. The decision came after Richardson’s preseason work gave him the edge for QB2, a move first reported by Stephen Holder.
Richardson addressed the news shortly after Steichen’s announcement and kept his message simple.
“I’m honored,” he said. “I’m just thankful that they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2.”
He said he’s ready to keep working and do whatever he can for the team.
When reporters brought up the trade request he made earlier this offseason, Richardson didn’t bite.
“I’m here. I’m not really thinking about that. I haven’t talked to my agent about that …”
He added that he showed up for OTAs prepared to stay and spent camp focused on backing Jones. For now, that’s the role he’ll fill.
Richardson also spoke about the growth he believes he’s made, saying he’s managing games better and trying to cut down on the hero-ball throws. He said he wants to follow Jones more in that area.
The preseason numbers helped tell the story. Richardson went 21-of-33 for 249 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception, while also running 10 times for 68 yards.
Leonard finished 20-of-42 for 199 yards with two interceptions. That gap ended up deciding the backup battle.
Steichen said he liked what he saw from Richardson in camp.
“I thought he did some good things during camp,” the coach said.
Richardson is now in the final year of his rookie deal, and the Colts already declined his fifth-year option. He’s started only a handful of games, with injuries repeatedly interrupting his progress, and Jones took over the job last season. A possible Packers trade never came together, and Richardson said he hasn’t spoken to his agent about a move in a minute.
The Colts will carry three quarterbacks into the season: Jones as the starter, Richardson as the backup, and Leonard third on the depth chart.
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