The Indianapolis Colts recently named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback. Jones of course beat out third-year man Anthony Richardson in training camp and preseason.
On Wednesday, general manager Chris Ballard was asked about the possibility of trading Richardson, the 2023 fourth-overall pick.
“We’re not trading him,” Ballard said.
Richardson got benched last year and ended the season with a 47.7% completion percentage. He’s been hurt and several coaches have consistently used the word “inconsistent.”
“It’s easy to say, ‘OK, he’s done,’” Ballard said of Richardson. “I don’t agree. I’ve said this numerous times — I do not agree with that. I think overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way are good for anybody. I do. I’m proud of Anthony, of where he is at, how far he’s come. He’s come miles.”
Chris Ballard says that Richardson is working hard to get better
People in the Colts’ organization have talked about the work Richardson is putting in, but that doesn’t mean a ton. He could be most sedulous quarterback in history, but if he can’t play it really doesn’t matter.
Quarterbacks coach Cam Turner said last week that he’s done everything and nothing has worked.
“As a position coach, you want to see your guys succeed and be successful, naturally,” Turner said. “I feel like I’ve tried everything I can do, and I feel like he’s given great effort in that aspect too. I don’t think either way it’s one or the other. I just think right now, the consistency is just not where we want it to be.”
That’s not good considering his lofty draft status. Ballard said it’s a long road, but didn’t sound like he’s expecting much.
“It is tough on any young quarterback in this league, but for him to keep taking the growth steps that he has and to work so hard and then not get the goal for himself. All right, now to continue to do that, that’s when we’ve got a chance to see real growth.”
Chris Ballard sees value in Richardson watching Jones
The Colts can say this however they like, but it’s not good that their former fourth-overall pick is entering year three and he still doesn’t look like a capable NFL starter, let alone a budding superstar. Ballard put forth the notion that Richardson could learn a lot from watching Jones.
“There’s a lot of value in sitting behind a guy that’s a professional and watching and learning and growing and working on the things you need to work on without the same pressure of being the starter,” Ballard said.
And who would that guy be? Jones has been in the NFL for six years now and has one playoff win to his resume. No, he didn’t have much help with the New York Giants, but c’mon. Ballard is saying what Ballard has to say and that’s perfectly fine; he doesn’t have any other choice.
He’s probably correct when he says that the team isn’t trading Richardson, but you can read that one of two ways.
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