Terms of Anthony Richardson’s rookie contract revealed after officially signing with Indianapolis Colts

With training camp beginning on Tuesday for the Colts, the Anthony Richardson era is officially beginning in Indianapolis.

Evidently, the former Florida Gators star can celebrate with a trip to the bank, as he finally inked his rookie deal on Monday, which includes a $21.72M signing bonus paid upfront, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“The #Colts and No. 4 overall pick QB Anthony Richardson have agreed to terms on his 4-year, $33.99M fully guaranteed deal that includes a $21.72M signing bonus paid 100% upfront, per me and @TomPelissero,” tweeted Rapoport. “Deal done by agent @djackson_legacy.”

Many wondered if Richardson would be taken at the top of the draft due to his uneven play in college, but the Colts didn’t have any concerns, believing wholeheartedly in the former SEC star. Now that he’s inked his contract, the road to getting Richardson up to speed can officially begin.

Moreover, Dan Orlovsky of ESPN is a big-time believer in Richardson’s ability. Earlier in the offseason, he made a bold prediction about Richardson’s rookie season in Indianapolis. 

“Anthony Richardson, the rookie quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts will win Offensive Rookie of the Year,” Orlovsky proclaimed. “The unicorn talent where he can beat you with his arm, his legs, and his mind.”

There’s no doubt Richardson has the physical tools to be a successful NFL quarterback, but the more mental and intangible aspects of the game presented the biggest question marks in his draft evaluation process. 

Richardson only has one full season as a collegiate starter under his belt throwing for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushing for 654 yards and nine scores on the ground. 

Many believe that he should spend his rookie season as the Colts’ backup quarterback to learn and develop, as many other quarterbacks in the past have done who’ve not been fully polished passers. But Orlovsky believes his new head coach could fast-track that development process and unlock Richardson’s abilities as early as this upcoming season. 

“Matched with Shane Steichen who comes over from Philadelphia, worked wonders with Jalen Hurts. He’s going to absolutely take off and be dominant this year,” Orlovsky said.

Steichen was seminal in the development and recent improvement of Hurts, which led to a fantastic season for him last season where he achieved career highs in passing yards with 3,701, passing touchdowns with 22, and rushing touchdowns with 13, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance. 

Time will tell if Anthony Richardson can reach that level, but the Colts certainly believe he can, and it’s going to be fun to keep an eye on how things progress for Indianapolis moving forward.

On3’s Kaiden Smith contributed to this article.