Anthony Richardson should 'absolutely not' be Colts' starter in 2023, Mike Tannenbaum says

Colts QB Anthony Richardson is one of the highest-upside rookies in the NFL if he pans out as a prospect. Still, considering many see him more as a project at the moment rather than a player that’s ready to produce, one former NFL GM says somebody else needs to be QB1 in Indianapolis in 2023.

Mike Tannenbaum shared that opinion in an appearance on First Take. He said that the focus for the Colts should be on ensuring that Richardson is ready to go for the next decade. With that in mind, making another quarterback on the roster, like Gardner Minshew for example, the starter and making that apparent to the fanbase might be the best thing while he develops into the player that they’ll need him to be.

“Absolutely not,” said Tannenbaum. “What’s so important is Anthony Richardson needs to be great for the next 10 years. If the Colts are, whatever it is, 4-13? 7-10 this year? It doesn’t matter. What matters is that he’s great for a long time. So, take all the time.”

“You have Gardner Minshew. You can win games with him,” Tannenbaum said. “Just go out on the front end and say, ‘Hey we’re gonna play Anthony Richardson whenever he’s ready. There is no rushing this season.’”

Richardson was the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after three seasons in Gainesville with Florida. He earned that selection after flashing all kinds of potential in college. In total, he ended his career with the Gators with 3,105 passing yards, 1,116 rushing yards, 36 touchdowns overall, and all kinds of highlights.

Even so, there are reasons for concern in him as a prospect. In his trio of seasons, he didn’t crack 60% completion once with a 54.4% completion rate for his career. He also threw 15 interceptions, including nine in his one full season as a starter.

That’s why, for the Colts, Tannenbaum believes they should slow-cook things rather than microwave Richardson’s way to success. With his lack of experience and handful of red flags, he believes it’s in everyone’s best interest that they give him the appropriate amount of time to become the player that they hope he’ll be one day as a pro.

Richardson drops iconic Marshawn Lynch line in press conference

When you make it to the NFL as a first-round pick at quarterback, you get some extra liberties around the facilities. After all, an organization is betting their future on you.

So new Indianapolis Colts gunslinger Anthony Richardson gave it a test during a press conference with reporters on Tuesday afternoon.

“Anthony just what’s been your impression so far of kind of this lifestyle, being an NFL quarterback, being in this building, running an offense, how has it kind of measured up to what you thought it would be?” a reporter asked.

Richardson paused for a moment, seeming to take the question under consideration before leaning low to the microphone to answer.

“I’m just here so I won’t get fined,” Richardson said. “Nah, I’m just kidding. I’m just kidding. I told my mom I was going to do that.”

Anthony Richardson’s got jokes. 😂 pic.twitter.com/Pq5heInimb

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 13, 2023