Anthony Richardson, Colts to Have 'Open' QB1 Competition for 2025 NFL Season, GM Says

Entering his third season with the Indianapolis Colts, Anthony Richardson still doesn't have a guarantee that he'll be the starting quarterback.

Per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the team plans to have an "open" competition for QB1.

“Us adding competition will help up everyone’s game," Ballard said.

Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, has been far from consistent so far in his career. Things started out rough as he played just four games as a rookie due to a shoulder injury. He had 577 passing yards, 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns in his limited action in 2023.

In 2024, Richardson began the year as the starter but was benched in October as the Colts turned to veteran Joe Flacco. Richardson was renamed the starter after just two games and had a career day in a win over the New York Jets, throwing for 272 yards and three total touchdowns.

After a few mediocre games in November and December, Richardson missed the final two games of the year with a back injury.

He finished his second season with 1,814 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions along with 499 rushing yards and six scores on the ground in 11. While there were brief moments in which Richardson showed his potential, the 2024 season was mostly one to forget.

Now, Indianapolis will give another player the chance to take the starting job from him.

With Flacco set to hit free agency, there's not a clear favorite to rival Richardson for QB1 just yet. Indianapolis will seemingly pursue another quarterback option in free agency or perhaps through the NFL draft, though with the No. 14 pick, the Colts likely won't be able to land one of the top quarterbacks in this year's draft class.