Colts GM: Team will 'create real competition' for Anthony Richardson

The Colts are planning to add a quarterback this offseason and hold an open competition with Anthony Richardson for the starting quarterback job, according to general manager Chris Ballard.

Its got to be the right guy to create real competition, said Ballard, via ESPNs Stephen Holder , adding that such competition would be good for Richardson and the team as a whole.

The Colts have struggled to develop Richardson since taking him fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, in no small part due to his injuries.

The 22-year-old has missed 17 of 34 regular-season games since being drafted, which is especially detrimental to a player who was considered a raw prospect coming out of college.

We drafted Anthony high knowing it was going to take some time and we knew theres going to be some hiccups along the way, continued Ballard.

I know we all want a finished product right now...But I think as he continues to progress in his young career, us adding competition, I think, will help up everybodys game.

The Colts still believe that Richardson can eventually refine his physical gifts into a more finished product on the field.

They hope that the competition will spur faster improvements while giving them an alternate option at quarterback to remain competitive if Richardson struggles.

Weve had good conversations, said Ballard.

Anthonys accepted all of it.

He understands there needs to be some growth and theres work.

Both Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen mentioned consistency as a key area of improvement for Richardson.

He completed a league-low 47.7% of his passing attempts in 2024 with a league-high 4.5% interception rate.

As for the new quarterback, Ballard said that the Colts will be looking to free agency, the draft and even the trade market.

Their investment will reflect their faith in Richardson to develop into a franchise quarterback.

Spending a first-round pick or pursuing a premium veteran like Sam Darnold would signal a willingness to move on from Richardson just two years after drafting him.

A later draft pick or lesser free agent like Mac Jones would indicate more belief in Richardsons ability to overcome a slow start to his career.

Justin Fields may be an ideal blend of investment and starting potential, especially since his mobility would fit well in Indianapoliss offense.

This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission..

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