As the Indianapolis Colts prep for the 2025 season, there’s more at stake than just a return to form. The franchise is actively defining its future under center. After a season cut short by a shoulder injury, Anthony Richardson is back in action and under the spotlight. However, with the team signing Daniel Jones during the offseason, the quarterback room just got a lot more competitive.

Cross, drafted in 2022, has quietly become a vocal leader on the Colts’ defense. After a strong 2024 season, he’s not just making plays on the field, he’s shaping the narrative off it. Richardson’s intangibles have left a lasting impression on the locker room, despite an uneven rookie season where he completed just 59.5% of his passes and threw 8 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. Cross’s comments weren’t just lip service — they echoed a belief shared by many in the Colts’ camp: that Richardson, when healthy, brings an explosive dual-threat upside the franchise hasn’t had in years.

Adding weight to the discussion is Colts safety Cross, who had nothing but praise for Anthony Richardson’s attitude and impact. In a recent interview with NFL Network, Nick didn’t hold back in his praise for Richardson. Reflecting on the young quarterback’s potential, Cross said, “it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when”. That energy, according to Cross, is what separates Richardson as a core piece of the team’s long-term vision.

Richardson’s rookie year in 2023 was a tale of peaks and valleys. The 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson came to the Colts with immense physical talent and the potential to be a game-changer. Standing 6’4″ with a cannon of an arm and the athleticism to make defenders miss, Richardson’s skill set has the ability to revolutionize an offense. His ability to attack defenses with both his legs and arms places him in the mold of the modern-day dual-threat quarterback, a valuable asset in today’s NFL.

However, Richardson’s first season wasn’t without its challenges. The numbers paint a picture of a young player still finding his footing at the professional level. Richardson completed just 59.5% of his passes, throwing 8 touchdowns to 12 interceptions — a ratio that reflects the inconsistency that marred much of his play. His passing accuracy, particularly on intermediate throws, was a concern. According to Pro Football Focus, Richardson ranked near the bottom of the league in both adjusted completion percentage and turnover-worthy throws among all starting quarterbacks.

Yet, there were undeniable flashes of brilliance. Richardson’s dual-threat capabilities were on full display throughout the season. He rushed for 470 yards and 5 touchdowns, showcasing the mobility and elusiveness that made him such a coveted prospect. His ability to extend plays and make defenses account for his legs added an extra dimension to the Colts’ offense. His rushing totals also ranked among the top quarterbacks in the league, despite missing several games due to injury. The mobility he brings to the table is rare, and it’s the primary reason why many within the Colts organization still see him as a foundational piece moving forward.

With Nick Cross all-in on Richardson, can Daniel Jones still shake things up?

Still, the Colts aren’t betting everything on numbers and promise alone. They brought in Daniel Jones on a one-year, $14 million deal to push Richardson and provide starting-caliber insurance. While some speculated Jones might serve as a backup or temporary starter during Richardson’s return, head coach Shane Steichen made it clear: the job is up for grabs.

According to a report from Yahoo Sports, speaking with the media at the owners’ meetings, Steichen confirmed that both Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will split first-team reps at OTAs. “Who’s the most consistent, who’s the most productive — will be the starter,” he emphasized. That declaration removes any assumptions of favoritism and signals an open battle.

Jones, meanwhile, arrives in Indianapolis with much to prove. After a rollercoaster 2023 season with the Giants — where he threw just 2 touchdowns and 6 interceptions before suffering a torn ACL — and a brief run with the Vikings, he’s now in a make-or-break year. The Colts are hoping his mobility and experience can at least stabilize the position if Richardson isn’t ready to lead immediately.

Behind the scenes, GM Chris Ballard has echoed a message of unity, “It’s hard to succeed when you have people pulling in opposite directions — which we don’t have. We are all pulling in the` same direction”, reinforcing that competition won’t fracture the locker room, but strengthen it. All eyes will be on Indianapolis as the Colts try to build momentum in a division that’s only getting tougher. The Jacksonville Jaguars remain competitive, and C.J. Stroud has elevated the Texans into playoff contention. For the Colts to keep up, they’ll need the right man leading the huddle — whether it’s Richardson’s promise or Jones’s poise.

Richardson’s story isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about proving he can command the role he was drafted for. And with Nick already betting on him, the former Gator may have all the motivation he needs to deliver. Whether it’s Jones’ experience or Richardson’s fire, the QB battle is about to get wild.