NFL Rumors: Anthony Richardson Set to Return as Colts' QB1 for 2025 Season

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson failed to meet expectations in his second year in the NFL, but it sounds like the team isn't ready to give up on him just yet.

The Athletic's Zak Keefer and James Boyd reported, "For now, according to a team source, the Colts plan to keep Richardson under center in 2025 in hopes he continues to develop."

Retaining Richardson as the starter for the 2025 campaign is a bit of a surprise, as the Colts already learned some tough lessons about just how much time he needs to develop.

"The preparation stuff isn't there yet. He just doesn't know," one NFL talent evaluator told Keefer and Boyd.

"A good kid but naïve to what it takes to be a pro QB," another talent evaluator said.

The 2023 No. 4 pick faced questions coming out of Florida, as he started just 13 games at the college level. Despite his lack of experience, Indianapolis made Richardson a captain in his rookie season, which surprised a scout who studied him before he was drafted.

"They put a C on his chest, which is not him," the scout said

Richardson has appeared in 11 games this season and completed a dismal 47.7 percent for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions while also adding 86 carries for 499 yards and six more scores. Due to a back injury, he's considered questionable for the Colts' season finale on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Richardson's injury history is just one of the many factors that have created questions about his future in Indianapolis. The 22-year-old was benched for two games this season and raised eyebrows when he tapped out of a division game against the Houston Texans and admitted afterward that he was "tired." His inaccuracy this season has also been a cause for concern.

Still, the Colts believe they can develop Richardson into an effective starting quarterback in the NFL, so he will have another chance to prove them right.