The Indianapolis Colts surprised people on Tuesday morning when they announced that they are going to be starting Daniel Jones at quarterback for the 2025 NFL season over Anthony Richardson. With Jones being named the starting quarterback officially, many wonder if this is going to be the end of Richardson’s time in Indianapolis.
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Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws a pass during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Riley Leonard is the other quarterback on the roster, but Colts fans know they don’t have a long-term answer at quarterback on the roster. Indianapolis finished with an 8-9 record in 2024. There is a chance that they could finish with one of the worst records in the NFL during the 2025 NFL season. If they do have one of the worst records in 2025, there is a chance that the Colts could potentially draft Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Former NFL Quarterback Believes That the Indianapolis Colts are Tanking For Arch Manning After Naming Daniel Jones Starting Quarterback
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Jul 15, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning answers questions from the media during SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Robert Griffin III was the second overall pick from the Baylor Bears by the Washington Commanders in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has been talking pro football and college football ever since retiring from the game. Griffin said on his Twitter page on Tuesday morning about Indianapolis naming Jones the starting quarterback over Richardson,
“I’m convinced that the Indianapolis Colts are trying to tank for Arch Manning.”
Well Griffin may not be the only person who thinks that. There are other people who think the Colts maybe tanking for other guys as well. Indianapolis no doubt will need to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Arch’s uncle, Peyton Manning, was the starting quarterback for Indianapolis from 1998 to 2011. Peyton won a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2006 and was the number one overall pick from the Tennessee Volunteers in the 1998 NFL Draft. It would be interesting to see Arch play for his uncle’s team many years later.
Fans React To Griffin’s Statement
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) and quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throw the ball Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, at a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers during training camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
Anthony Richardson had busy written all over him from the beginning. 1 year starter with 53% completion percentage. Arch Manning can prove himself this season by being an accurate passer. Colts need to move on.
— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) August 19, 2025
I doubt Arch Manning even declares for the draft next season. He will make more at Texas than he would as a rookie
— OG (@ogjrichx) August 19, 2025
I don’t blame them if they are, but still….this isn’t the way.
However, I don’t think Arch is declaring next season.
— AlwaysOrangeandBlue (@LiberateSD) August 19, 2025
Another Manning as a Colt
Actually Makes sense
— *Vaughn Not Von (@vaughnXvon) August 19, 2025
Manning isn’t entering the draft for another couple of years.
— Kenny J (@KennyJ1975) August 19, 2025
Well, it is going to be interesting to see how the 2025 college football season and NFL season will play out. Arch will need to have a big year at Texas first before potentially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft if he decides to come out. It would be a major surprise if the Colts made the playoffs with Jones at quarterback.
Indianapolis has the chance to be one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2025. If they do wind up with the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, drafting Manning isn’t out of the question for them.
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