Colts may cut ties with Anthony Richardson in favor of college football legend

The Indianapolis Colts probably don't have too long a leash remaining for Anthony Richardson.

That's part of the reason they brought in veteran Daniel Jones as a free agent.

But Pro Football Focus thinks that both those guys could soon be on the outside looking in.

"Anthony Richardson appears to be on a short leash while Daniel Jones is playing on a one-year contract," PFF's Dalton Wasserman writes. "There could be a path to playing time for Riley Leonard sooner rather than later."

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Leonard, the rookie sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, just led the Fighting Irish to the national championship game.

He's a prolific runner with the football and not a bad passer, either.

"Leonard has his limitations as a downfield passer, but he may have landed in the best situation for his development," said Wasserman. "Colts head coach Shane Steichen emphasizes RPO concepts and yards after catch in his offense, and the foundation throws in Steichen’s offense will be well within Leonard’s range. He is also an excellent athlete who posted an 82.8 rushing grade last season."

In the 2024 college season, Leonard threw 21 touchdowns and ran for 17 more.

He played his prior college seasons at Duke before transferring up for his final campaign.

Leonard likely gets to learn this year, but soon enough, he could make a run for a bigger job in Indy.

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