Anthony Richardson’s NFL career has been disappointing so far. Now, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback has at least achieved a small measure of success.

Anthony Richardson entered the NFL in 2023 as a highly touted prospect; the Indianapolis Colts selected the quarterback with the fourth overall pick, underscoring the potential they saw in him. But his outstanding athleticism could barely compensate for his shortcomings as a passer.

By the time he lost the battle for the starting quarterback job to newcomer Daniel Jones ahead of the 2025 season, his NFL future was up in the air. In March, he requested a trade, but that hasn’t happened yet.

And it likely won’t happen anytime soon, as the 24-year-old has at least achieved a partial success. Richardson prevailed in the competition against Riley Leonard and will enter the season with the Colts as Jones’s official backup and the team’s number two quarterback.

Colts: Steichen Praises Richardson’s Development

“I think he put together some good performances in training camp,” Head Coach Shane Steichen said Thursday about Richardson. “He’s continued to develop, has grown, has learned, and is getting better and better.”

The player himself said he was “extremely grateful.” Richardson is entering the final year of his rookie contract; unsurprisingly, the Colts opted not to exercise the fifth-year option available for first-round picks. This means Richardson will become a free agent after the 2026 season.

It remains to be seen whether he’ll get the chance to showcase his skills on the football field during the season.