Shannon Sharpe Isn’t Sold on the Idea of Anthony Richardson Starting Ahead of Daniel Jones for Colts

It’s a two-way battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones at the Indianapolis Colts for the starting quarterback job, which Shannon Sharpe doesn’t feel the third-year athlete would win. Richardson’s first two years in the NFL have been laden with injuries and controversial moments.

The 23-year-old generated a lot of hype in college while wearing the iconic Florida Gators jersey. His 6-foot-4, 244 lb athletic stature fit the desirable quarterback profile that most NFL teams sought after.

AFC West’s Colts grabbed Richardson fourth overall in 2023. He suffered an AC joint sprain and missed 14 games before returning as the starter the following year.

Richardson hung on for dear life with an average completion rate of fewer than 50%. A controversial moment in week 8 worsened the situation after he excused himself due to breathing issues.

Fans, critics, and even former players were stunned by the development. Richardson’s inability to continue paved the way for veteran Joe Flacco.

Flacco struggled to replicate his Browns form in Indiana, and Steichen gave Richardson another chance. His second year ended with a 6-5 record and a win over the Patriots on the final day.

In June, the Colts brass gave some bad news. Richardson hurt his shoulder (throwing shoulder) and missed the first phase of the offseason training sessions. Flacco returned to Cleveland, and Steichen signed former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who spent the 2024 season in Minnesota.

Jones reportedly showed enough progress to make him the favorite to start in week one. However, Richardson sympathizers want Steichen to give him a chance to prove himself.

Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe wants the best for Richardson, but at the same time, remains a big skeptic.

They showed [AR’s] numbers from the time he was a quarterback in high school, 9th grade, 10th, 11th, and at Florida. He ain’t never been a marksman. He’s a 40-50% completion guy. His completion percentage is lower than [Tim] Tebow’s. Tebow’s is 47%. He was at 48% last year… If you’re not at least 60% [in today’s game], you’re not good. It’s not like it was, I remember when like 55%-57% was good because of the way they play.

Shannon Sharpe said in the latest segment of the Nightcap podcast

Richardson played three seasons at Florida, starting 13 games and ending with a 6-7 record. He amassed 3105 yards (54.7% pass completion), 24 touchdowns, and 15 picks, along with 161 rushes for 1116 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

After 15 games for the Colts, he has 2391 yards (50.6% completion rate) and 11 touchdowns, in addition to 10 on the ground and 13 picks.

Will Anthony Richardson attend the Colts training camp?

There’s positive news for Colts fans about Richardson. He’s likely to join the roster during the training camp at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.

ESPN and The Athletic confirmed the news in a recent piece. However, neither went into the specifics.

The Colts have the 14th-easiest schedule in 2025 as per Sharpe Football Analysis, but Steichen would breathe a little easier if he had both Jones and Richardson on the final 53-man roster.

The Colts start off their 2025 NFL campaign by welcoming conference rivals, the Miami Dolphins, at Lucas Oil Stadium.