He was the fourth overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson started off on the right foot. A string of injuries and up-and-down performances have muddied the waters, leading to swirling rumors about his future with the organization. As the Colts prepare for the upcoming season, questions arise about whether they might trade the young quarterback and how they will navigate his position amid new developments.
Richardson made his way to the Colts’ headquarters just a day after being drafted, full of anticipation and confidence regarding what lies ahead in his professional debut. In hindsight, his cautious optimism may have been premature. Instead, Coach Shane Steichen anointed him the opening day starter after one quarter of preseason football. Richardson’s rookie season became one of the most intriguing stories in the NFL as the first campaign unfolded. In late November and early December he authored two 4th quarter game-winning drives in only his 3rd career start!
Injury Challenges
Richardson’s career has looked like a masterpiece managing a tornado at times. Injuries have been a massive issue, as he’s missed 17 of 34 games of his young career. The cumulative toll of these injuries on his play has caused alarm among fans and observers as well. Last year, he averaged 6.9 ypa, paired with the league-high air yards per attempt at 11.4 yds. His completion percentage is still a troubling 47.7%. That bleak statistic has propelled conversations about his long-term future as a starting quarterback.
Principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon acknowledged the challenges Richardson faces, stating, “Where he is in his career and in his [contract] … we still have time. He still has time to prove it.” That positive outlook on days like Campbell’s first impression speaks to the overall purpose of granting Richardson this chance to grow, even with an unrealized potential.
Shift in Starting Role
Well, the Colts’ quarterback situation just got a whole lot more interesting. After announcing Daniel Jones as their Week 1 starter just a few days ago, this decision did not sit well with Richardson, who according to his agent, Deiric Jackson, was left flabbergasted by this decision. Jackson expressed his concerns that this decision would potentially end Richardson’s career. Beyond that fundamental vision, he asserted, they have much to identify and deliberate upon as they chart the way ahead.
With the Colts drafting Riley Leonard in the sixth round, the competition for the starting role was stiff. Leonard’s final preseason stats saw him complete 19 of 36 passes for 156 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception. Though Leonard’s performance raised questions about his readiness to take on a significant role, it added another layer of complexity to Richardson’s situation.
Future Options and Considerations
Richardson’s uncertain status had already set off various speculation of potential trade scenarios. An AFC executive noted, “It’s hard to say — the play and the injuries have been bad enough that it’s a hard one, but if a team had a real need and since he has plenty of team control left [under contract until at least 2026], he should have something.” Trading Richardson may be the best option. Despite the issues with his knees, teams have to recognize his upside before pulling the trigger on him.
Principal owner Irsay-Gordon acknowledged that Coach Steichen would face a challenging decision regarding the quarterbacks and expressed confidence in his ability to make the right choice: “Shane is going to have a tough decision to make, but I feel confident he’s going to make the right decision.” This statement highlights the high-level, complicated, real world deliberations occurring inside of this nonprofit as they continued, and continue, to plot Richardson’s future.
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