Anthony Richardson’s agent reveals ‘questionable’ trust with Colts after QB decision

When the Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen named Daniel Jones the starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson said there were “no hard feelings” after the competition. However, his agent said he has “a lot to discuss” with the franchise.

Deiric Jackson of Legacy Sportstold ESPN’s Stephen Holder he was disappointed in Indianapolis’ decision to name Jones the starter over Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick. He cited a “questionable” level of trust with the franchise after Tuesday’s announcement.

Jackson also said he thinks the decision, along with some other previous situations with Richardson, damaged the Colts’ credibility. He added the former Florida quarterback improved during training camp.

“Trust is a big factor and that is, at best, questionable right now,” Jackson told ESPN. “Anthony came back and made the improvements in the areas he needed to improve. And by all accounts, he had a great camp.”

Jones signed a one-year contract with the Colts this offseason after starting his career with the New York Giants. The franchise granted him his release last year, paving the way for him to sign with the Minnesota Vikings for the remainder of the season.

Jones then landed in Indianapolis, providing competition for Richardson. After losing out on the starting job, Richardson said he’s shifting his focus to the task at hand, which is continuing to grow as both a player and as a person.

“[Steichen] made a decision,” Richardson said. “That’s the decision we’ve got to live with, but no hard feelings, nothing personal. I’ve just got to keep growing. I just can’t let me not being a starter stop me from going and being the person, the player that I’m supposed to be.”

How Daniel Jones beat out Anthony Richardson

The Colts selected Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, though injuries quickly impacted his career. He appeared in just four games as a rookie before an AC joint sprain derailed his season, and he played in 11 games last year. However, he found himself on the bench at one point before getting back onto the field.

As for how Daniel Jones won the starting job Tuesday, Colts coach Shane Steichen said “consistency” was the separator. However, he noted Richardson made strides, though Jones put the team in better position to start the year.

“You guys heard me talk about the consistency. That’s really what I was looking for,” Steichen said, via NFL.com’s Nick Shook. “Really the operations at the line of scrimmage, the checks, the protection, the ball placement, the completion percentage, all that played a factor in it. I think Daniel did a great job doing that, and I think A.R. has made strides in that area, but I do feel that he still needs to continue to develop in those areas. I had a chance to talk to both of them this morning.

“They were both great. A.R. was great. He knows that he still needs to develop and learn in those areas, and he knows that he’s one play away.”