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Originally Posted by Colts And Orioles
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For all of his flaws, Anthony Richardson is very talented and athletic, and gives the team the proverbial "puncher's chance" to win any close game with a late, 4th quarter rally ...... how much more can one ask from a 3rd-string quarterback ??? In fact, that sounds like arguably the best 3rd-string quarterback in the league. And yes, we really need 3 quarterbacks in this very rough sport of tackle football, as last year's team having 44 year-old Philip Rivers desperately trying to salvage the season exhibited.
Leave well-enough alone, and don't make an issue where there isn't one by cutting him. Richardson may want to be traded, but one can't always get what they want.
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The Colts Says That QB Anthony Richardson Is ‘Here to Compete’ Amid Trade Request
(By James Boyd)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...ny-richardson/
INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Richardson Sr. does not want to be a member of the Indianapolis Colts. He made that clear when he requested a trade in February after three seasons with the franchise. Since then, however, the Colts have been unable to strike a deal, and after missing the first two weeks of voluntary spring practice, Richardson rejoined the team last week.
Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds, who spoke to the media Saturday after rookie minicamp for the first time since last year’s training camp, said it’s up to both sides to act like adults in the wake of Richardson’s trade request. Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was the Colts’ highest-drafted player since the team selected Andrew Luck first in 2012. The 23-year-old started just 15 games through his first two years before losing the starting job to Daniel Jones last year.
“I think you’re just upfront and say, ‘Hey, we tried. Nothing materialized. But you’re a professional, you have a job to do, and that’s why you’re here. You’re here to compete,’” Dodds said of how he’s approached Richardson’s return. “I think Anthony knows, too, it’s only gonna help him by competing and doing well.”
Dodds, like Colts general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen, stopped short of detailing exactly what Richardson’s role will be as he reintegrates with the team. Jones will likely be limited when OTAs begin later this month as he continues rehabbing from the torn right Achilles tendon he suffered last December. Therefore, Richardson and Riley Leonard should have the chance to take more reps during spring practice.
Before Richardson’s return, Leonard had been the Colts’ presumed backup after starting the 2025 regular-season finale while Jones and Richardson, who suffered an orbital fracture last October, were sidelined. When asked if Richardson, who is 8-7 as a starter, will challenge Leonard for the QB2 role if he’s not traded, Dodds sidestepped the question.
“I think that everybody is competing,” Dodds said. “It’s May ...... who knows how it’ll end up ???”
Richardson has thrown 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in the NFL. He also has 10 rushing touchdowns. Leonard threw two touchdown passes and three interceptions as a rookie. He also notched two rushing TD's.
Dodds said the Colts feel good about their quarterbacks.
“We’ve got two other guys in that room that’ve started NFL games,” he said.
Regardless of the role Richardson plays with the Colts or another team, his recovery from the orbital fracture remains a big factor in his NFL future. The injury initially left Richardson with impaired vision in his right eye. Dodds was asked if Richardson had regained his full vision, and instead of giving a yes or no answer, he, like Steichen, stated that the “doctors said he’s good to go.”
Aside from discussing Richardson and Leonard, Dodds spoke glowingly of Jones. The veteran, who turns 29 later this month, signed a two-year, $88 Million deal in March to remain with the Colts. Last year, Jones led Indianapolis to an 8-2 start before fracturing his left fibula and tearing his right Achilles tendon.
“Being around the guy, he’s really thoughtful, really composed, has a great way about him. (He) kind of connects with everybody,” Dodds said. “He can fit in, in any of the position rooms if he had to. I think that’s just really important, and they all believe in him and follow him for that reason.”
High Praise for A.J. Haulcy
A smile quickly spread across Dodds’ face when he began discussing rookie safety A.J. Haulcy. The Colts’ third-round pick left a lasting impression on Dodds after the two met during the pre-draft process.
“I love that guy,” Dodds said. “(Colts southwest area scout) Mike Lacy was really pushing (to draft) him in the meetings. … And then when he walked into that interview, you just felt there’s a presence about that kid. And then you look at his history (with) three schools, he’s going up (a level) each time, he’s starting each time and he’s really productive, too.”
Haulcy began his college career at New Mexico before transferring to Houston and LSU. He earned all-conference honors at each program, highlighted by a 1st-team All-SEC selection last year after notching 4 passes defensed and 3 interceptions.
The Colts lost starting strong safety Nick Cross in free agency. The 2022 3rd-round pick signed a 2-year, $13 Million deal to join the Washington Commanders, thus opening the door for Indianapolis to select Haulcy on Day 2 of the draft. The 22-year-old has a chance to be a Week 1 starter in Indy, and he said he’s already been in contact with starting free safety Cam Bynum. Bynum had four interceptions and eight passes defensed during his first season with the Colts last year.
“I feel like we could do some great things here,” Haulcy said Friday shortly before rookie minicamp began. “We could make history here, just us two and our skill sets and also what we know about ball.”
C.J. Allen Is Poised for a Big Role
Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has never had a rookie wear the green dot helmet and call the defense ...... that could change with CJ Allen.
The former Georgia star and 2nd-round pick is poised to take on a big role in Indianapolis’s defense after the team traded its former green dot-wearer, Zaire Franklin, to the Green Bay Packers in March. Anarumo believes Allen will be able to absorb those duties after wearing the green dot at Georgia, though Anarumo said he won’t rush Allen’s development. Last year, Allen was named a first-team All-American and a finalist for the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s top linebacker.
“Coach (Kirby) Smart down there at Georgia thinks the world of the guy,” Anarumo said of Allen on Wednesday. “(He has) played a ton of football there. He is all about football, the old-school gym rat.”
Allen said he realized a childhood dream when he was drafted, but he’s glad to finally put it in his rearview mirror. The 21-year-old glided around the field during rookie minicamp Friday and Saturday, and his voice was easily distinguishable as he established his presence.
“At the end of the day, it’s still football,” Allen said. “It may be different names or things like that, but you still got to tackle the person with the ball and get to the ball. So, that’s the main thing.”
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