Stampede Blue
ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler floated Anthony Richardson as a potential trade candidate — but only under the right circumstances. With Daniel Jones playing at a high level in Indianapolis, Richardson is stuck on the bench. Fowler suggests Richardson might be open to joining an offensive-minded coach like Sean McVay as a long-term developmental option rather than waiting indefinitely behind Jones.
Graziano added that some teams already inquired about Richardson during free agency, but the Colts weren’t interested in moving him. However, if Jones continues to play at a division-winning level and secures an extension, Indianapolis could eventually view Richardson as expendable.
They also noted that acquiring a starting quarterback midseason is usually difficult due to scheme fit and install time. That’s why Richardson — as more of a future investment rather than an immediate starter — makes more sense than most deadline quarterback swings.
The Colts don’t have a quarterback controversy — they have something rarer: a surplus.
Daniel Jones has made one thing clear through four weeks — he’s the quarterback of this football team, and it’s time to treat him like it. The Colts don’t have a controversy under center. They finally seem to have stability at the quarterback spot.
Jones isn’t winning with theatrics or backyard chaos. He’s winning by operating Shane Steichen’s offense at a high level. He currently ranks top five in EPA per play, top five in passer rating under pressure, and only two interceptions, with one of them being a late game heave. He’s been pressured on more than 30% of his dropbacks — one of the highest rates in the league — and instead of panicking, he’s been at his best in those situations. On third and fourth downs, he ranks second in the NFL in first-down conversion rate when passing. These aren’t hot streak metrics. These are sustainable indicators of a quarterback in complete command.
Pair that with Jonathan Taylor averaging 7.30 yards per carry in second halves with two touchdowns, and you have an offense that’s perfectly structured: Jones moves the chains early, Taylor closes the door late. They’ve combined for 1,492 total yards — the most of any quarterback-running back duo in the league.
At this point, you ride with Jones long-term. You don’t overthink it. If he continues to deliver this level of rhythm, timing and decision-making, he’s earned that investment. It might seem early and it might seem rushed, but what other options do/will the Colts have? They aren’t going to be in a position to draft a top quarterback next season, nor are they in a position to get a quality backup, as none are really available and ones that are (Cousins, Wilson for example) aren’t upgrades over Jones. There also aren’t any big free agents to go after in the offseason. It might seem crazy, but the Colts need to go all in on Jones as he’s playing exceptionally well right now.
Which brings us to the obvious question: what now for...
