Colts name Jones starter as Richardson sits

The organization signals a pivot toward Daniel Jones while keeping patience with Richardson in doubt.

Colts shift away from Anthony Richardson as Jones named starter

The Indianapolis Colts named Daniel Jones the starting quarterback for 2025, benching Anthony Richardson after another rotation on the depth chart. Coach Shane Steichen said the decision focuses on the present needs of the team, while general manager Chris Ballard has repeatedly defended Richardson's development as patient progress. Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal and inherits a roster built to win this season while preserving a path to growth for Richardson.

Richardson, the 2023 No. 4 pick, has limited starting experience and a history of injuries. He went 8 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2024 and completed just under 48 percent of his passes. A shoulder injury early in his rookie year and a dislocated finger in the preseason kept him off the field, complicating his development. With a fifth-year option looming, the move to Jones raises questions about the franchise's confidence in Richardson and how the Colts plan to measure future progress.

This is a high-stakes test of how an NFL franchise balances immediate needs with long-term potential. By choosing Jones, the Colts reduce the risk of a 2025 season collapse but invite scrutiny over Ballard's plan for Richardson. It's a reminder that even a top-five pick can become a casualty of a stronger-willed roster strategy.

Richardson's path forward hinges on more than arm talent. Health, coaching decisions, and a clear development plan matter as much as raw ability. If the Colts want to salvage this era, they must articulate a concrete timeline for his return to start duties and show how the mid-season benchings translate into real growth rather than a cautionary tale. The 2025 season will test their patience policy and their willingness to own a misstep while staying committed to a young quarterback.

Highlights

Change is never easy in a franchise built on long-term bets and short-term results.