As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for the 2025 NFL season, their quarterback situation remains uncertain. This uncertainty has led Around the Horn panelist Kevin Clark to question whether the partnership between the Colts and Anthony Richardson is sustainable.
Last season, the Colts benched Richardson in favor of Joe Flacco for two games after Richardson signaled to be taken out during a crucial moment in their Week 8 matchup against the Houston Texans. This decision sparked significant criticism—not just of Richardson, but also of how the Colts handled their young quarterback.
Rather than treating Richardson’s action as a learning moment and supporting his development, head coach Shane Steichen reportedly provided no guidance on how he could improve or even an explanation for why he was benched in favor of Flacco.
Now, as 2025 approaches, the Colts appear hesitant to fully commit to Richardson as their starter, with GM Chris Ballard stating they plan to bring in another quarterback to compete for the job.
On Around the Horn Wednesday, Clark expressed his belief that the Colts have mismanaged their relationship with Richardson so badly that it may be beyond repair.
“They have made the wrong decision at every turn since drafting Anthony Richardson two years ago,” Clark said. “They mishandled the situation, and I’m worried it’s too late to fix it. You took one of the most athletic quarterbacks we’ve ever seen at the combine, let him play for a month, then he got hurt.
Once he was healthy, you benched him for Joe Flacco, who was supposed to steady the ship but didn’t. And now, you’re bringing in another quarterback to compete with him.”
Clark argued that a quarterback like Richardson needs time and patience to develop—something the Colts haven’t given him.
He suggested that the team’s leadership, including Ballard and Steichen, may be making moves to save their own jobs rather than focusing on Richardson’s growth. Clark even speculated that Indianapolis could target a veteran like Justin Fields.
“This was the wrong situation from the start,” Clark added. “Richardson may not be a great quarterback, but he was failed here. This is a football tragedy. It’s football malpractice.”
It’s difficult to disagree with Clark’s assessment. Instead of nurturing Richardson’s potential, the Colts have seemingly undermined him at every step.
While there’s still a chance for him to reclaim the starting role in 2025, unless the organization commits to his development, this could become yet another painful “what-if” scenario for Colts fans in the years ahead.
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