How Riley Leonard's play could impact Anthony Richardson's future

1 week ago 2

What might Riley Leonard's performance in the Indianapolis Colts' Week 18 game against Houston mean for Anthony Richardson?

In his first NFL start, there's not much more that you can ask of Leonard than what he provided.

Leonard finished the game completing 21-of-34 passes for 270 yards with two touchdowns, one interception, two fumbles, and a rushing touchdown.

It wasn't perfect, but in his first start and doing so against the NFL's top scoring defense, Leonard impressed.

He generated downfield throws, extended plays when needed, sustained drives, and bounced back when needed.

As far as next season goes, Leonard isn't going to be a starter for the Colts in Week 1. ESPN's Adam Schefter believes that the plan right now is to bring back Daniel Jones.

Leonard, however, may have earned himself the opportunity to be the backup and continue developing behind Jones -- if that is who the Colts go with at quarterback.

If that's the case, then perhaps that makes trading Richardson more likely.

Richardson finished his third NFL season on injured reserve, where he spent most of the year with an orbital fracture.

Richardson will enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2026. The Colts have to decide whether or not to pick up his fifth-year option for the 2027 season.

While Chris Ballard and Shaen Steichen have remained committed to Richardson, it's remained difficult to see how he earns back the opportunity to start. And if that's the case, then the Colts should get some draft capital in return.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What Riley Leonard's performance means for Colts' Anthony Richardson?

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