Report: Former Gators QB Anthony Richardson Agrees to Rookie Contract Terms
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Indianapolis Colts, quarterback Anthony Richardson, has officially agreed on a four-year, fully guaranteed $34 million rookie contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
It includes a $21.72 million signing bonus up front.
Related: Gators QB Anthony Richardson 'Had a Feeling' Colts Would Call His Name
In his lone season as a starter at Florida, the Gainesville native accounted for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 53.8% completion en route to leading the Gators to a substandard 6-7 record. He received mixed reviews due to his volatility as a passer, which created concerns about his aptitude for the next level, at least through the air.
The good was great. But the bad was ugly.
However, Richardson's uncanny intangibles as a new-age quarterback prospect NFL franchises are currently yearning to acquire maintained scouts' intrigue regarding his jump to the professional stage. Standing at 6-foot-33/4, 244 pounds with record-setting testing numbers — 4.43 40-yard dash, 40.5-inch vertical and a 10'9" broad jump — Richardson's unrivaled athletic showing at the combine catapulted further up draft boards.
The showing illustrated his improvisation skillset and ability to use his legs to his advantage on tape while simultaneously backing up the legitimacy of his 654 yards and nine scores on the stat sheet in 2022.
Nearly a month later, he showcased his lauded arm strength and answered questions of accuracy at Florida's Pro Day to solidify his standing as a top-ten pick.
As a result, new head coach Shane Steichen and the Colts swung on the high-risk, high-reward prospect at No. 4, giving Indianapolis a young quarterback prospect to groom after years of failed experiments with veteran plug-ins.
Richardson is expected to compete to assume the Colts' starting spot for the season opener against Jacksonville on Sept. 10.
If he does earn the job, he'll be surrounded by a gifted group of skill position players to utilize, including the likes of Johnathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and others.
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