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NFL groups reached out to the Indianapolis Colts about presumably buying and selling not too long ago benched quarterback Anthony Richardson, however a deal is taken into account “unlikely,” per NFL insider Jordan Schultz:
Jordan Schultz @Schultz_Report
Sources: Groups have inquired with the #Colts about the potential for buying and selling QB Anthony Richardson, who was benched this week, although a commerce is taken into account unlikely.
A number of groups I spoke to nonetheless view Richardson as a franchise-caliber quarterback, and look at Indy pulling the… pic.twitter.com/ptiygSQuaB
Richardson, the No. 4 total decide within the 2023 NFL draft, struggled by way of six begins this yr, finishing simply 44.4 p.c of his passes for 4 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Colts will now begin 17-year NFL veteran Joe Flacco in his place.
There’s at all times a necessity for quarterbacks across the NFL, and a number of groups proper now have questions on their future on the place, together with the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders, amongst others. With the commerce deadline Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, it is no shock the Colts are getting calls.
Nevertheless, the Colts are presenting this option to bench Richardson as a option to win soccer video games now, not essentially one the place the group is transferring in a unique route long-term.
“It is my obligation to 53 guys and to this group to win soccer video games,” Steichen stated Wednesday, per Michael Marot of the Related Press. “Powerful choice, however one I felt was in the very best curiosity of our soccer group. I really feel Joe offers us the very best likelihood to win proper now. With that being stated, not giving up on Anthony (Richardson) by any means.”
It will be unwise for the Colts to surrender on their No. 4 total decide after simply 10 begins. In any case, the Colts chosen the then 20-year-old within the draft after he made simply 13 begins at Florida. The athleticism and potential have been clearly evident once they picked him, and absolutely the Colts knew rising pains have been inevitable given his uncooked expertise, youth and lack of beginning expertise.
The underside line is Richardson has accuracy points, as seen by his 44.4 p.c completion price. And the 4-4 Colts enter the week a half-game exterior the playoffs with a stiff highway check in opposition to the 5-2 Minnesota Vikings and their No. 9 scoring protection.
If the group desires to win now, the reply is Flacco, who has accomplished 65.7 p.c of his passes for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception over 4 video games (two begins) when known as upon in Richardson’s place as a result of damage this yr.
For the long run, Richardson nonetheless seems to be the reply. The query is when he’ll get his likelihood once more, however indicators level towards that being in a Colts uniform slightly than elsewhere across the league.
