NFL insider reveals Indianapolis Colts’ expected plan for Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones QB situation

After signing Daniel Jones on Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts now have two quarterbacks on their roster with starting experience, the other being Anthony Richardson.

And according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Indianapolis is preparing for an open quarterback competition between Jones and Richardson. Richardson is reportedly healthy and has no plans to request a trade.

“AR will be ready to roll,” said Deiric Jackson, Richardson’s agent.

The Colts signed Jones to a one-year deal worth up to $17.7 million, giving them another starting option alongside the oft-injured Richardson. General manager Chris Ballard said at his end-of-year presser that Richardson would have competition since “he’s not proven he can play 17 games.”

“Like we can’t beat our head against the wall,” Ballard said in January. “We’ve got to have competition at the position just for the fact that, one, competition makes everybody better and, two, he’s not proven he can play 17 games.”

Indianapolis Colts find competition for Anthony Richardson

Richardson, selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida, has played in just 15-of-34 possible games over the last two seasons. He missed 13 games in his rookie campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair an AC joint sprain. He missed Weeks 5 and 6 this past season with an oblique injury, only to return in Week 7.

Head coach Shane Steichen benched him in favor of Joe Flacco due to poor performance after Week 8 but went back to Richardson in Week 11. Richardson then missed the final two games with a disk issue in his lower back. When he’s been on the field, Richardson has been up-and-down. Over the last two seasons, he has thrown for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on 50.6% passing. Richardson has also rushed for 635 yards and 10 scores.

The New York Giants released Jones midseason in 2024 following a rollercoaster tenure with the team that included just one playoff berth. After his release, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a practice squad deal for the remainder of the season. He didn’t see extended playing time. In 10 games overall this past season, Jones amassed 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 63.3% completion percentage to go along with a 2-8 record as the Giants’ starter. 

A former first-round pick out of Duke, Jones finished his Giants career with a 24-44-1 record and 70 touchdown passes to go along with 47 interceptions. New York took on a $22.21 million dead cap hit in 2025 when they cut him. They’re still looking for their long-term replacement.

On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this report.