The Indianapolis Colts have entered the 2026 season with perhaps the most intriguing quarterback depth chart in the NFL. While starter Daniel Jones is firmly entrenched under center, the battle for the backup role is shaping up to be a marquee storyline during training camp and the preseason. According to a report from sports.yahoo.com, former first-round pick Anthony Richardson and rookie Riley Leonard will compete for the No. 2 job this season.
This is not your typical veteran-versus-rookie competition. Richardson, who burst onto the scene as the Colts' fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, has seen his NFL journey take unexpected turns. After an injury-plagued 2023 season that limited him to just four games, the Colts made the bold decision to pivot to Jones as the starter in 2026, sending the once-heralded prospect into a backup role. Now, Richardson faces a new challenge: holding off a talented rookie who has quickly turned heads in Indianapolis.
The Richardson Roller Coaster
Anthony Richardson's NFL story has been one of breathtaking highs and frustrating lows. When he was drafted fourth overall in 2023, the Colts envisioned a dynamic dual-threat quarterback capable of reshaping their offense. In his limited action as a rookie, Richardson showed flashes of brilliance -- powerful arm, elite athleticism, and a knack for improvisation. But injuries derailed his rookie campaign, and the coaching staff, led by head coach Shane Steichen, had to navigate a difficult decision.
The signing of Daniel Jones as the starter this offseason signaled a clear shift in philosophy. Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard opted for a more experienced, stable presence under center. For Richardson, it meant a slide down the depth chart. Now, entering his third NFL season, he finds himself in a battle to remain the primary backup.
Richardson brings undeniable physical tools to the competition. At 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, he is a rare blend of size and speed. His deep ball accuracy and ability to extend plays with his legs give the offense a different dimension than Jones provides. But the question remains: can Richardson stay healthy and process defenses quickly enough to earn the trust of the coaching staff? His 2023 season was marred by a shoulder injury that required surgery, and the Colts need to know their backup can step in and function effectively if Jones misses time.
The Rookie Riser: Riley Leonard
Enter Riley Leonard, the rookie out of Notre Dame who joined the Colts in the 2026 draft. Leonard is a different kind of quarterback prospect than Richardson. While Richardson is the physical freak, Leonard is the cerebral, polished passer who operated a pro-style system in college. Standing 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, Leonard has good size, but his game is built on accuracy, anticipation, and pocket presence rather than raw athleticism.
Leonard's college resume is impressive. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in his final season with the Fighting Irish, leading his team to a College Football Playoff appearance. Scouts praised his footwork, his ability to read defenses pre-snap, and his calm demeanor under pressure. Those traits translate well to the NFL, especially in an offense like Steichen's that values timing and decision-making.
The rookie has been turning heads during offseason workouts and minicamp. Reports from the Colts' facility suggest Leonard has quickly absorbed the playbook and shown strong command of the huddle. His accuracy on intermediate routes and his willingness to take what the defense gives him have impressed the coaching staff. For a team that values efficiency and ball security -- Jones's primary strengths -- Leonard represents a potential long-term developmental piece who could eventually push for the starting role.
What This Means for the Colts Depth Chart
Currently, the Colts quarterback room includes four players: starter Daniel Jones (No. 17), Anthony Richardson (No. 5), Riley Leonard (No. 15), and fourth-stringer Seth Henigan (No. 4). Under normal circumstances, a team typically keeps three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. With Jones locked in as the starter, the battle between Richardson and Leonard will likely determine who secures the No. 2 role and who may be relegated to the practice squad or traded.
The competition will play out over the course of training camp and four preseason games. The Colts coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, will be evaluating both quarterbacks on a range of factors: accuracy under pressure, ability to execute the full playbook, pocket presence, and leadership. But perhaps the most critical factor will be consistency.
Richardson has the higher ceiling but the lower floor. He can make plays that few quarterbacks in the league can replicate, but his injury history and occasional struggles with processing are concerns. Leonard, by contrast, may have a lower ceiling but a higher floor. He is unlikely to make the jaw-dropping throws that Richardson can, but he is also less likely to turn the ball over or miss a simple read.
Broader Roster Context
The Colts are in an interesting position roster-wide. The defense, coordinated by Lou Anarumo, features a strong front seven led by DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and second-year edge rusher Laiatu Latu. The secondary has been overhauled, adding Sauce Gardner and Cam Taylor-Britt to a group that already included Jaylon Jones. This is a team built to win now, with a top-tier defense and a running game anchored by Jonathan Taylor.
Given that context, the backup quarterback job is more than just a depth piece. If Jones were to go down for any extended period, the Colts would need a quarterback who can manage games, protect the football, and complement a strong running game and defense. That dynamic favors the more conservative, efficient quarterback -- which could give Leonard an edge over Richardson's high-risk, high-reward style.
However, Richardson's raw talent cannot be ignored. If he has stayed healthy and refined his decision-making, he could be the more dangerous weapon for an offense that might need to win a shootout. Steichen has shown an ability to tailor game plans to his quarterbacks' strengths, as he did with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia and with Richardson early in his Colts tenure.
What's at Stake
For Anthony Richardson, this competition is about more than a depth chart spot. At 24 years old, he is still viewed by many around the league as a tantalizing talent who could develop into a starter. If he loses the backup battle to a rookie, it would be a significant setback for his career trajectory. Teams around the league will be watching closely. If Richardson shows well in preseason action but ends up as the No. 3 quarterback, trade rumors could swirl.
For Riley Leonard, winning the backup job would be a major achievement for a rookie. It would not only provide him with immediate game-day preparation but also position him as the clear successor to Jones if the veteran's tenure in Indianapolis is short. The Colts invested a draft pick in Leonard, and they will want to develop him.
The Verdict
As training camp approaches, the smart money says this competition will go down to the wire. Richardson's experience in the system and his physical gifts give him an edge early, but Leonard's polish and consistency could win out by the end of preseason. The Colts coaching staff, led by Steichen, will have a difficult decision to make.
One thing is certain: Colts fans should keep a close eye on the preseason games. The battle between Richardson's cannon arm and Leonard's surgical precision will be must-watch football. And whoever emerges as the backup will be just one snap away from being thrust into the spotlight in a season where the Colts have legitimate playoff aspirations.
The quarterback depth chart in Indianapolis is deeper and more competitive than it has been in years. That, in itself, is a great problem for Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard to have.