The Indianapolis Colts originally selected quarterback Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, however, he has been unable to find consistency and has dealt with multiple injuries over the past few seasons as well.
Richardson will enter the 2026 campaign competing with Riley Leonard for the Colts’ backup quarterback role behind Daniel Jones. Shane Steichen has said that the two will split reps and a decision won’t be made until training camp and the preseason unfolds.
But while that competition still has to unfold, Richardson was recently named one of the top backup quarterbacks for the 2026 season by CBS Sports.
Zach Pereles recently revealed his top ten current backup quarterbacks in the NFL, as Richardson was listed at No. 10.
“Anthony Richardson’s on-field lows have been as low as any passer, and when you add the significant injury history to the equation, it’s fair to question why he’s on this list,” Pereles wrote. “In 2024, when he started 11 games, he finished 33rd in expected points added per play, ahead of only Cooper Rush, Gardner Minshew and Will Levis. He was wildly off-target (17.6% of his throws were deemed off-target, the second-worst number of the last decade), and he threw eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. It wasn’t good enough.”
Pereles continued to mention Richardson’s upside as well, as the talented quarterback is still just 24 years old despite struggling early in his career.
“But the big plays, plus the idea that he could improve, earned him a spot. He led the NFL in yards per completion in 2024. Obviously, there were far too few completions, but the big-play ability is there, given his absolute bazooka of a right arm. Furthermore, Richardson’s rushing ability is a major plus, especially on designed quarterback runs. He’s a hammer at the goal line, but even more impressive, he had an 18% explosive rush rate from 2023-24, third in the NFL behind only Drake Maye and Kyler Murray. Could he have a Malik Willis-esque rebirth in another place, as a clearly talented player in need of refinement? Maybe. Could he appear in a pinch as a backup and be a disaster? Maybe. Could he appear in a pinch and have a positive impact with his legs? Maybe. He remains a great unknown.”
Richardson has recorded 2,400 passing yards and 11 touchdowns over his first three seasons in Indianapolis. It’s also worth noting that the Colts do have an 8-7 record in games he starts.
The talent has always been evident with Richardson, but consistency is needed.
For now, Richardson’s trade request presumably is still on the table.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ Anthony Richardson ranked among NFL’s top backup QB options
Reporting by Jake Boico, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jake Boico, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
