Anthony Richardson, once the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, just got named the Indianapolis Colts’ No. 2 quarterback today, a move that screams volumes about his career trajectory. For a guy drafted so high, this early regular season news is a tough pill to swallow, even if he’s trying to spin it positively.
From Top Pick to Backup: The Hard Fall
Think about it: fourth overall pick. That means a franchise saw you as *the* guy, the future face of their team. Now, in September 2026, Richardson is backing up Daniel Jones, after beating out Riley Leonard for the QB2 spot. It’s a far cry from what anyone expected, yet Richardson told reporters he’s actually “honored” by it. “I was honored,” he said, “I’m just blessed to continue to find a way to lead, continue to find my way on the roster. I’m just thankful they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2. I’m just ready to work and I’m willing to work with the team and provide my best self for this squad and help us win.” It’s a humble take, but it also paints a clear picture of how far his stock has fallen.
The Numbers Tell a Brutal Story
The stats really don’t lie. As Richardson heads into the fourth and final season of his rookie contract, he’s only started 15 games. His completion percentage? A flat 50.6 percent. And the touchdown-to-interception ratio is even uglier: 11 touchdown passes versus a painful 13 interceptions. Those numbers are nowhere near what the Colts hoped for when they made him a top-five pick. It’s stark; he’s nowhere near the player they thought they were getting. Being QB2 instead of QB3 might be a small win, but it’s still a long way from the franchise savior everyone imagined on draft night.
What’s next for Richardson? With his rookie contract ticking down, he’s got to show something special. His willingness to work with the team is a good sign, but the clock is definitely running on him proving he can be more than just a backup.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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