Time hasn't stopped for Anthony Richardson, but the Indianapolis Colts aren't ready to close the book either.
Videos by FanBuzz
Photo credit: Getty Images
Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard made that much clear Tuesday, saying he doesn't view Richardson as someone in need of a full reset.
"He's still young. He's still developing," Ballard said, via JJ Stankevitz of Colts.com. "I still believe in Anthony."
Belief, of course, isn't the same as commitment.
Richardson is entering a pivotal stretch with his fifth-year option still undecided. The Colts have until May 1 to make that call, and while trade speculation will linger, the smarter play may be patience.
Richardson's value around the league likely isn't higher than what Indianapolis could get from another season of evaluation.
The past year didn't help his case. Richardson lost the quarterback competition to Daniel Jones in 2025, then saw his season cut short by an eye injury. When Jones later went down with an Achilles injury, the Colts turned to veterans Philip Rivers and Riley Leonard, while Richardson remained sidelined.
The résumé is still thin. In 17 career appearances, Richardson has thrown for roughly 2,400 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He's only 23, but the margin for error narrows quickly at quarterback.
Either way, the Colts sound willing to wait. Whether that patience turns into a long-term answer is the real question still ahead.
