June 18, 2026, 10:09 a.m. ET

Now more than ever, the success of NFL teams hinges on the competency behind center. As a result, backup quarterbacks are a premium asset in today’s league as starters routinely miss at least a pair of games each season.

In 2025, Indianapolis was forced to call up retired 44-year-old signal-caller Phillip Rivers to backfill three matches as every QB on the roster was sidelined by injury. For that reason, the Colts would be wise to retain a high-level backup entering 2026.

CBS Sports ranked the NFL’s top backup quarterbacks entering the 2026 season and former Gator Anthony Richardson came in at No. 10 on the list. The Colts have one of the league’s most closely watched QB rooms with Daniel Jones inking a two-year, $88 million contract despite coming off an Achilles tear. Behind Jones is former first-round selection Anthony Richardson, who was also relegated to injured reserve last season after an off-field orbital fracture in Week 6.

Richardson and his representation informed the organization that he preferred to be traded in February; however, a deal has yet to materialize. The franchise has not indicated that Richardson would be moved prior to the start of the 2026 campaign. With no imminent trade, he faces mounting pressure as both sides move closer to training camp.

Many experts point to Richardson’s stagnated development at the position as one of the biggest storylines for the Colts. His career trajectory took a significant shift after he was benched mid-season for an aging Joe Flacco in 2024.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

The former No. 4 overall pick will now enter next season fighting to reestablish his place in the league. Every rep in training camp would impact whether Richardson’s future in the NFL is as a backup. For now, he’s an insurance policy for Shane Steichen and the Colts, who will be looking to improve on their 8-9 record from a year ago.

Richard’s struggles are well documented. “In 2024, when he started 11 games, he finished 33rd in expected points added per play, ahead of only Cooper Rush, Gardner Minshew and Will Levis,” writes Zachary Pereles, going on to say, “He was wildly off-target (17.6% of his throws were deemed off-target, the second-worst number of the last decade), and he threw eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. It wasn’t good enough.

“But the big plays, plus the idea that he could improve, earned him a spot. He led the NFL in yards per completion in 2024.”

There is still room to be optimistic about Richardson’s abilities, as Pereles writes. Richardson’s rushing ability is a major plus, especially on designed quarterback runs.

“He’s a hammer at the goal line, but even more impressive, he had an 18% explosive rush rate from 2023-24, third in the NFL behind only Drake Maye and Kyler Murray. Could he have a Malik Willis-esque rebirth in another place, as a clearly talented player in need of refinement? Maybe. Could he appear in a pinch as a backup and be a disaster? Maybe. Could he appear in a pinch and have a positive impact with his legs? Maybe. He remains a great unknown.”

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.