Richardson has worked extensively with a biometrics coach this offseason to improve his throwing motion and his footwork, which was often sloppy when Richardson was under pressure during his first two NFL seasons. “That was really one of the main things I wanted to focus on because everybody knows I can throw the ball whenever [the pocket] is smooth, but I want to find opportunities for myself to be consistent when I am off-balance, make decent throws, and even when everything is perfect, making sure my feet are intact and my base is solid,” Richardson told reporters Tuesday. Richardson said he wants to be able “to just stay calm in the pocket.” He’ll compete with Daniel Jones for the Colts’ Week 1 starting job. Head coach Shane Steichen has said whoever can be more consistent will land the QB1 job.

Jones and Richardson are slated to split first-team reps this offseason, according to Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Ballard’s recent comments on the uncertain Indy QB situation all but confirm that both Richardson and Jones will start games in 2025. “You don’t want to begin with an end in mind,” Ballard said. “If I’m a betting man, at some point, both of them will help us.” Richardson is entering a make or break year after two catastrophic seasons to start his NFL career and Jones is looking to re-establish himself after struggling with injuries and playing poorly after signing a big contract with the Giants in 2023. Jones is getting $13.15 million in guaranteed money this season. “Who gives us our best chance to win,” Ballard said. “I think it will be a great competition between both of them.” Even if Richardson struggles once again, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts use him in a Taysom Hill-like rushing role on short yardage and goal line situations.

Richardson’s days as the Colts’ QB1 have never felt more numbered. After years of saying reps were the most important thing for Richardson, Steichen has now said Richardson will “have to take advantage of the reps that he gets.” The Colts gave Jones a one-year, $14 million contract this offseason to come in and compete with Richardson, and it’s safe to say he’ll have a good chance to start come Week 1. Jones is getting $13.15 million in guaranteed money on his deal and will have to compete with a third-year quarterback whose 1,814-8-12 line in 2024 was anything but stellar. His 47.7 completion percentage nearly set the quarterback position back by decades. Richardson will have a chance to win the QB1 battle in camp, but throughout his career, even at his worst, Jones has looked like a far better quarterback than Richardson.

The Colts will reportedly hold an open competition between Richardson and Daniel Jones, who on Tuesday signed a one-year contract with Indy worth $14 million, with $13.5 million guaranteed. Richardson, who has struggled mightily with accuracy and touch throws over this 15 NFL starts, is working with a biometrics coach to clean up his throwing motion ahead of what will be a make-or-break year for the former first-round pick. Richardson, per his agent, will be “ready to roll” for a competition with Jones.