The battle for a starting quarterback job is never just about stats—it’s about mindset. Some players embrace competition, others shy away from it, and then there are those who thrive on proving a point. Anthony Richardson? He falls into that last category. With the Colts bringing in Daniel Jones this offseason, the debate has already started—who gets the nod under center? Some argue Jones’ experience gives him the edge, while others believe Richardson’s potential outweighs it all. But one thing is clear: Richardson isn’t backing down. In fact, he had a bold message when the topic came up, making it clear that no matter who’s in the room, he plans to take that job.

After a long spell as their QB1, things went south between Daniel Jones and the NY Giants as he left mid-season in 2024. He arrives at the Colts after spending time as a backup at the Vikings. But it’s not an empty space he has been brought in to fill. The first-round pick (4th overall) of the 2023 Draft, Anthony Richardson, has played enough games for the franchise. Now, things are heating up. The HC Shane Steichen is keenly observing their progress and trying to decide on the starter. Many fans want Jones to start. But the 2023 recruit wants all the smoke.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler appeared on a March 20 episode of The Rich Eisen Show. He revealed Richardson’s bold message against Jones and said, “I talked to somebody in Richardson’s camp at the combine about this whole dynamic and I brought up Daniel Jones and some of the things I was hearing. And they said Anthony doesn’t care if they bring in Joe Montana like he’s going to go win that job. And I did. Maybe that’s just talk, but I did find it interesting.”

For starters, Anthony Richardson has played 15 games (all started) with an 8-7 record. He also recorded a 176 of 348 passes (50.6% completion rate) in 2,391 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The signal caller also impressed with his rushing game: 111 rushes for 635 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

Daniel Jones is more experienced with 6 years in the NFL, with 70 games played (69 started) and a 24-44 record. He also had 1437 of 2241 passes (64.1% completion rate) in 14,5782 passing yards with 70 TDs and 47 interceptions. Jones also has 399 rushes for 2,179 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. But Anthony Richardson wants his share of the NFL games.

“It’s gotta be the right guy to create real competition. But we want to create real competition. I think it’s good for Anthony. It’ll be open,” said the Colts GM Chris Ballard in the NFL combine last month. It was one reason they signed Daniel Jones on a 1-year $14 million deal. But the starter for the last 2 seasons is in no mood to give up his position. Amid this drama, they are also looking for other positions in the roster. The O-line needs solid protection to win.

Colts target receiver for Anthony Richardson

While the locker room is sorting out the signal caller situation, other things need attention. To make sure that they have all the required firepower, they are targeting the 2025 draft for some talented players to fill their gaps. One of them is the Oregon offensive tackle, Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan.

He has shown talent on the gridiron. The OT was ranked 40th out of 105 in the PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric. In 2024, he showed outstanding talent with 3 sacks and 12 pressures with the seventh-best pass-blocking grade among tackles. The OT is a requirement for the QB Anthony Richardson. But the Colts impressed him.

While talking about the AFC South team, the 6 feet 8 inches 328 pounds athlete also revealed that he met with other teams as well. It includes the 49ers, Packers, Jets and others. While talking about his aspirations, he revealed, “I’m going to make a big impact by helping my team win a lot of games. It doesn’t matter what role I’m in, or what position I’m playing. I’m going to help the team win.”

With an 8-9 record in the 2024 season, they now choose 14th in the 2025 draft. Shane Steichen is trying to find the best talent so he can improve his head coaching record. In 2 years as the Colts head coach, he hasn’t taken them into the playoffs. So, the pressure is on.