Wild card in Anthony Richardson decision

[Kray007]

Originally Posted by YDFL Commish

I want to ask everyone on this forum, what would the the Colts regular season record have been, had Ballard moved heaven and earth to acquire the best QB's in the draft from 2020 to 2023? Let's say Ballard moves heaven and earth to get Joe Burrow in 2020 or Trevor Lawrence in 2021. Shockingly 2022, was a very weak QB draft class, so it might be a tossup between Kenny Pickett and Malik Willis. For 2023, I'll only include CJ Stroud, since he has been the most productive.

My take, is that if Ballard had moved heaven and earth to draft Burrow, we would've been a perennial contender and won the division more often than not, and may even have a Super Bowl to show for it.

My reasoning, we are way more functional organization than the Bungles.

What about a bit more realistic scenario. In 2020, the Bengals weren’t going to move off Joe Burrow; but Justin Herbert was sitting there at 6. Instead of trading for Buckner, they could have cut a deal with Detroit to move up 13 spots. Painful, but consider that we shipped a first and a third to Philly for Carson Wentz. We probably could have swung a trade with Detroit for a little more than we gave for him and Buckner.

I don’t know how far they could have gone. KC, with Mahomes, has been other’worldly. But, it’s probable that they make the playoffs every year. They got there in 2020 with Rivers and finished a game above or below .500 in four of the next 5.

Herbert would have had great tools to work with behind a really good Offensive Line. Ballard wouldn’t have had to expend as much effort on the position and, maybe, with a high powered offense in hand, they might have ante’ed up for Micah Parsons. If the had, the sky would have been the limit.

[YDFL Commish]

Originally Posted by Kray007

What about a bit more realistic scenario. In 2020, the Bengals weren’t going to move off Joe Burrow; but Justin Herbert was sitting there at 6. Instead of trading for Buckner, they could have cut a deal with Detroit to move up 13 spots. Painful, but consider that we shipped a first and a third to Philly for Carson Wentz. We probably could have swung a trade with Detroit for a little more than we gave for him and Buckner.

I don’t know how far they could have gone. KC, with Mahomes, has been other’worldly. But, it’s probable that they make the playoffs every year. They got there in 2020 with Rivers and finished a game above or below .500 in four of the next 5.

Herbert would have had great tools to work with behind a really good Offensive Line. Ballard wouldn’t have had to expend as much effort on the position and, maybe, with a high powered offense in hand, they might have ante’ed up for Micah Parsons. If the had, the sky would have been the limit.

I like your thinking. My point being, have the Colts usually had a good enough roster to contend, but were always a QB away?

Freaks posters always want to point out the Colts roster deficiencies for every single season. I will argue that those roster deficiencies were not atypical of the rest of the NFL.

[Racehorse]

Originally Posted by Kray007

What about a bit more realistic scenario. In 2020, the Bengals weren’t going to move off Joe Burrow; but Justin Herbert was sitting there at 6. Instead of trading for Buckner, they could have cut a deal with Detroit to move up 13 spots. Painful, but consider that we shipped a first and a third to Philly for Carson Wentz. We probably could have swung a trade with Detroit for a little more than we gave for him and Buckner.

I don’t know how far they could have gone. KC, with Mahomes, has been other’worldly. But, it’s probable that they make the playoffs every year. They got there in 2020 with Rivers and finished a game above or below .500 in four of the next 5.

Herbert would have had great tools to work with behind a really good Offensive Line. Ballard wouldn’t have had to expend as much effort on the position and, maybe, with a high powered offense in hand, they might have ante’ed up for Micah Parsons. If the had, the sky would have been the limit.

Interesting to consider. I will have to ponder this a little and get back to this post.

[Colts And Orioles]

Originally Posted by Colts And Orioles

o


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.

o

o


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.”

o

[Colts And Orioles]

Originally Posted by Colts And Orioles

o


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.

o

Originally Posted by Colts And Orioles

o


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/

o

o


Richardson appears to be staying put, just like I hoped that he would ...... in my rat's ass of an opinion, the 2025 Colts needing to resort to bringing back Uncle Phil exhibited that you can't have too much depth at the QB position in the NFL.



Anthony Richardson Finds No Trade Market as Colts QB Set to Stay Put

(By J. Canfora)

https://www.sportsboom.us/nfl/exclus...ity-with-colts


The Colts' former top-5 draft-pick Anthony Richardson received almost no interest on the trade market, we reported weeks ago that interest was scant, with concerns about his vision following an orbital bone injury, but the sides have done well to put that drama behind them early in the offseason.

Richardson has struggled to execute as a starting quarterback and stay healthy and while his natural talent remains intriguing.

Multiple executives from teams who added quarterbacks and who evaluated Richardson said his health and his latest injury in particular, played more of a role in them pivoting to other options than did Richardson’s struggles to cement the starting job.

“Even if he was healthy I don’t think he was going to have much of a market,” one GM told SportsBoom.

Richardson, as a high first-round pick, carries a base salary of $5.4M and a $10M salary cap hit. At a time when former first-overall QBs Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa were signing for veteran minimum contracts of $1.3M, that was a factor.

“Those contracts didn’t help him,” the GM said.


There’s No Place Like Home ???


At this point, league sources indicated that Richardson has accepted that it is almost certain that he plays out this season with the Colts, and then takes his chances in free agency next year after fulfilling his rookie contracts.

Richardson requested a trade and very much wanted to move on early in the off-season after losing his job to Daniel Jones a year ago, coupled with the fact that the Colts then re-signed Jones to a 2-year extension.

Richardson has not been a distraction of any sort since reporting to Indianapolis and the reality is, with Jones a high risk for injury throughout his career, and with the Colts adding quality pieces to their offensive roster in recent years, Richardson is actually in about as good a position as he could hope for, all things considered.

There is always the possibility that Richardson shows well in the pre-season and a playoff team loses a quarterback to injury and he gets an opportunity to start elsewhere.

The 23-year-old is desperate for more playing experience, after only playing one year of big-time college football and he has just 15 starts in his NFL career.

o

[HoosierinFL]

Originally Posted by Kray007

What about a bit more realistic scenario. In 2020, the Bengals weren’t going to move off Joe Burrow; but Justin Herbert was sitting there at 6. Instead of trading for Buckner, they could have cut a deal with Detroit to move up 13 spots. Painful, but consider that we shipped a first and a third to Philly for Carson Wentz. We probably could have swung a trade with Detroit for a little more than we gave for him and Buckner.

I don’t know how far they could have gone. KC, with Mahomes, has been other’worldly. But, it’s probable that they make the playoffs every year. They got there in 2020 with Rivers and finished a game above or below .500 in four of the next 5.

Herbert would have had great tools to work with behind a really good Offensive Line. Ballard wouldn’t have had to expend as much effort on the position and, maybe, with a high powered offense in hand, they might have ante’ed up for Micah Parsons. If the had, the sky would have been the limit.

Yea, Ballard has been willing to take big risks and bid deals to spend 1st round picks trading for DT and CB..why not for a QB?

[YDFL Commish]

Originally Posted by HoosierinFL

Yea, Ballard has been willing to take big risks and bid deals to spend 1st round picks trading for DT and CB..why not for a QB?

Good question?

[Racehorse]

Originally Posted by HoosierinFL

Yea, Ballard has been willing to take big risks and bid deals to spend 1st round picks trading for DT and CB..why not for a QB?

How often are those traded? I mean, a good one. Good QBs rarely move teams. Yeah, I know Brady and Manning ended careers in different places, but there were circumstances behind both of those. Same with Brees. Manning ans Brees had injuries scare their teams off, and Brady and Belicheat seemed to be ready to prove they did not need the other.

[Kray007]

Originally Posted by HoosierinFL

Yea, Ballard has been willing to take big risks and bid deals to spend 1st round picks trading for DT and CB..why not for a QB?

How soon we forget Carson Wentz.

[Dam8610]

Originally Posted by Kray007

How soon we forget Carson Wentz.

I think of Carson Wentz fondly every time I see Bernhard Raimann and Josh Downs step onto the field for the Colts.