Anthony Richardson Sr. has officially won the Indianapolis Colts’ backup quarterback job.
Head coach Shane Steichen announced Thursday that Richardson will serve as the Colts’ QB2 behind Daniel Jones, while Riley Leonard will open the season as QB3. It ends a long offseason competition between Richardson and Leonard, who split second- and third-team reps throughout training camp and each received extended playing time during the preseason.
Richardson finished the preseason 21-of-33 passing for 249
yards, doing enough to hold off Leonard and remain one injury away from the field. The decision is notable because Richardson’s future in Indianapolis looked uncertain for most of the offseason. He and his agent requested a trade in February, but the former No. 4 overall pick remained with the team and continued competing for a role.
Richardson also struck a positive tone after being named the backup, saying he was thankful the Colts believed in him enough to promote him to QB2 and that he is ready to work and provide his best self. That has been a consistent theme from the organization in recent months, with general manager Chris Ballard repeatedly praising Richardson’s attitude and presence around the team.
From a roster standpoint, this was probably the right call. Richardson is still raw and inconsistent, but he remains the more physically gifted and experienced option compared to Leonard. If the Colts are forced to turn to a backup quarterback, Richardson at least gives them a player with starting experience, elite rushing ability and a higher immediate ceiling.
Leonard still has developmental appeal, but asking him to be the primary backup this early would have been a tough sell. He showed flashes during the Texans regular season game last season, but this preseason he looked like a quarterback who needs time. Keeping him as QB3 allows the Colts to develop him without rushing the process. He still looks like a strong option for the long-term QB2.
The bigger question is what this means for Richardson’s long-term future. Being named QB2 does not suddenly make him the franchise quarterback again, and Jones remains the clear starter. Still, it does keep Richardson in the picture. After a trade request, months of uncertainty and a legitimate battle with Leonard, Richardson has at least stabilized his spot on the roster.
For now, the Colts have their quarterback hierarchy set: Jones is QB1, Richardson is QB2 and Leonard is QB3. It may not answer every question about the future, but it does give Indianapolis clarity before Week 1.
