Anthony Richardson’s Future with the Colts in Question

It looks like Anthony Richardson’s tenure with the Colts may be coming to an end soon.

Reports indicate that Indianapolis has chosen not to pick up the fifth-year option on Richardson’s rookie deal, which would have paid him a little over $22 million in 2027.

Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard mentioned to reporters that he hadn’t given much thought to this option during a recent media session.

Given that the Colts are likely looking to trade their quarterback in the offseason, this decision doesn’t really come as a shock.

At just 23 years old, Richardson has missed the team’s offseason workouts after requesting a trade earlier this month. It seems both sides are exploring opportunities to move on.

Ballard noted, “Anthony is not here. He also requested a trade. He’s been working out in Jacksonville. I’ve kept in touch with his trainer, and he’s doing okay.”

Now, the question is, will he return? Well, it’s complicated. While discussions continue, Richardson remains in Jacksonville for now.

Even with being drafted fourth overall by the Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft, injuries have plagued his first two seasons. He was recently replaced as the starting quarterback by Daniel Jones heading into the 2025 season.

Injuries have also marred Richardson’s 2025, particularly a fractured orbit that sidelined him.

Jones, who joined the Colts with a substantial two-year, $88 million deal back in March, has really established himself as the primary quarterback, leaving little room for Richardson.

If the Colts can’t trade Richardson, he will enter unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season.

Ballard has expressed that it’s not quite time for a total reset. “Anthony is still young. He’s still developing. We’ll see what happens in the future. I still believe in him.”