The Indianapolis Colts have named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, prompting Anthony Richardson’s agent to express deep concerns about the team’s trust and Richardson’s future with the franchise. This decision, announced on August 19, 2025, has sparked uncertainty and potential discord, with the agent questioning the credibility of the coaching staff’s evaluation process.
Who: The key figures involved are Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ quarterback and the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft; his agent, Deiric Jackson; Colts head coach Shane Steichen; and Daniel Jones, the newly signed quarterback who won the starting job. Richardson, a young player with high potential, has been at the center of the team’s quarterback plans, while Jones brings experience from his time with the New York Giants.
What: The central event is the Colts’ decision to name Daniel Jones the starting quarterback over Anthony Richardson after a preseason competition. This move has led Richardson’s agent to publicly voice disappointment and uncertainty about his client’s role and future with the team, though he stopped short of demanding a trade. The agent emphasized that trust between Richardson and the organization is now ‘questionable.’
When: The decision was officially announced on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, during the NFL preseason. The agent’s comments followed shortly after, making this a developing story within the last 24 hours, as of the current date.
Where: This situation unfolds with the Indianapolis Colts, an NFL team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The league-wide context involves typical preseason roster battles and team dynamics, but this particular case has garnered significant attention due to Richardson’s draft status and potential.
Why: Coach Shane Steichen cited Jones’ consistency as the primary reason for the decision, suggesting that Jones performed more reliably during camp and preseason games. However, Richardson’s agent, Deiric Jackson, implied that the decision might have been predetermined when the Colts signed Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract in March 2025. Jackson also referenced previous instances, such as Richardson’s brief benching last season, as factors damaging the team’s credibility.
How: The quarterback competition involved both players splitting reps and alternating starts in preseason games. Richardson, despite showing improvement in technique and accuracy during camp, was ultimately passed over for Jones. The agent’s reaction highlights a perceived lack of fairness or transparency in the evaluation process, raising questions about how the decision was made and communicated.
Impact: The immediate impact is a strain on the relationship between Richardson and the Colts organization, with trust being a significant issue. This could affect team morale and chemistry, especially if Richardson remains on the roster as a backup. For Richardson personally, it poses a challenge to his development and confidence, though he has expressed no hard feelings and a focus on growth. In the broader NFL context, it sparks discussions about how teams handle high-draft pick quarterbacks and potential trade scenarios.
What’s next: Richardson’s agent plans to have discussions with the Colts management to address the concerns and explore options, which could include clarifying Richardson’s role or even considering a trade if the situation doesn’t improve. Richardson himself is committed to continuing his development as a player and person, regardless of his starting status. The Colts may need to manage this publicly to maintain fan and player confidence, while the NFL community will watch for any roster moves or further statements.