Gator’s Update: Cam Newton Warns That Colts’ Signing of Daniel Jones Could Spell Trouble for Anthony Richardson

Anthony Richardson entered the NFL with enormous potential, prompting the Indianapolis Colts to select him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft. However, the young quarterback’s performance hasn’t lived up to the team’s expectations. Despite his raw talent, the Colts appear hesitant to fully commit to Richardson as their franchise QB. Their recent move to sign former New York Giants first-round pick Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract in free agency suggests they are seeking competition—and perhaps a backup plan.

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton believes this move could mark the beginning

of the end for Richardson in Indianapolis. Speaking on his podcast, “4th&1 with Cam Newton,” the outspoken former quarterback didn’t hold back. “Man, this (expletive) says a lot, boy,” Newton said. He criticized Richardson’s attitude, referencing an incident from last season when the rookie checked himself out of a game against the Houston Texans, telling the staff, “I’m tired, boss.” Newton made it clear that such behavior won’t fly in the NFL, especially with added competition.

Jones, who split last season between the Giants and the Minnesota Vikings, reportedly views Indianapolis as a better opportunity to compete for a starting job. Newton suggested that the Colts didn’t bring Jones in just for depth—they want him to challenge Richardson. “They brought him in there to compete, to make Anthony Richardson uncomfortable,” Newton said. “It ain’t no feelings in this (expletive), man. Big business.”

 

 

Newton emphasized that Richardson needs to step up and embrace the responsibility of being an NFL quarterback. He stressed the importance of both on-field performance and off-field professionalism. “He has to start putting pieces in place to say, like, ‘Yo, bro, you are an NFL quarterback,’” Newton said. He highlighted the weight of franchise expectations and the need for Richardson to handle both the community and performance demands that come with the role.

Richardson’s stats from last season reflect his struggles. He completed only 47.7% of his passes, averaging 164.9 yards per game. The young QB threw for eight touchdowns but also had 12 interceptions, finishing with a 6-5 record as a starter. With Jones now in the mix, Richardson will need to prove he deserves to remain the Colts’ QB1 or risk being overtaken by the veteran.