The Indianapolis Colts have named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, overtaking Anthony Richardson and sparking uncertainty about Richardson’s future with the team. Richardson’s agent has expressed disappointment and questioned the trust between the player and the organization, though no trade demand has been made.
Who: The key figures involved are Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ 2023 fourth overall draft pick; his agent, Deiric Jackson; Colts head coach Shane Steichen; and Daniel Jones, the newly named starting quarterback. Richardson had been the presumed starter but now faces a backup role.
What: The central event is the Colts’ decision to bench Richardson in favor of Jones, announced on August 19, 2025. This move has led to public comments from Richardson’s agent indicating a breakdown in trust and raising questions about a potential trade or separation.
When: The decision was made and announced on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, during the NFL preseason. The agent’s reaction came shortly after the announcement, within the same day.
Where: This situation unfolded with the Indianapolis Colts, based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team made the announcement from their facilities, and the agent’s comments were reported widely in sports media.
Why: The Colts signed Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract in March 2025, creating competition for the starting role. Richardson had been benched for two games in the previous season due to issues with game preparation, and despite improvements in camp, the coaching staff opted for Jones, citing a need for consistency or perhaps predetermined plans.
How: Coach Shane Steichen made the quarterback decision based on performance evaluations during training camp and preseason. Richardson’s agent, Deiric Jackson, responded by expressing disappointment to ESPN, highlighting concerns about the team’s credibility and whether the decision was fair or premeditated.
Impact: This move has damaged the relationship between Richardson and the Colts, with trust now described as ‘questionable’ by the agent. It could affect team morale and Richardson’s career trajectory, potentially leading to trade rumors. However, Richardson has publicly stated there are ‘no hard feelings,’ aiming to maintain professionalism.
What’s next: The agent plans to have discussions with the Colts’ management to address the future, including whether Richardson remains with the team or explores trade options. Richardson will likely serve as the backup quarterback initially, but his long-term role is uncertain, and the NFL trade market could become a factor if tensions escalate.