Anthony Richardson’s Future Uncertain as Colts Allow Quarterback to Explore Trade

Anthony Richardson’s Future Uncertain as Colts Allow Quarterback to Explore Trade
Anthony Richardson’s Future Uncertain as Colts Allow Quarterback to Explore Trade

Anthony Richardson Sr.’s tenure with the Indianapolis Colts is at a crossroads as the team has officially allowed him to explore a trade, confirmed by his agent, Deiric Jackson. Selected fourth in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson’s promising career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries, limiting him to just 15 starts in three seasons and leaving his long-term role in Indianapolis uncertain.

Richardson lost the starting quarterback job to veteran Daniel Jones, who guided the Colts to eight victories in the first 10 games of the 2025 season. Richardson’s playing time has been curtailed by significant health setbacks, including an Achilles injury last season, a prior ACL tear during his time with the New York Giants, and a shoulder surgery that restricted him to only four games as a rookie. A “freak pregame incident” in 2025 further sidelined him, resulting in just two pass attempts across two games. His career statistics currently show 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.

Anthony Richardson’s Future Uncertain as Colts Allow Quarterback to Explore Trade
Anthony Richardson’s Future Uncertain as Colts Allow Quarterback to Explore Trade

Colts Weigh Options as Richardson Cleared to Play Amid Quarterback Competition

Despite these challenges, Colts general manager Chris Ballard remains cautiously optimistic about Richardson’s abilities. He confirmed that the quarterback’s vision issues from an orbital fracture last October are “trending in the right direction” and noted that Richardson has been cleared to play. At the same time, the Colts appear committed to Daniel Jones, who is set to enter free agency in March and will need either a franchise tag or a new contract to remain with the team.

Riley Leonard, the Colts’ sixth-round pick from 2025, is also expected to return next season, adding further competition to the quarterback room. With Richardson now authorized to seek trade opportunities, his next chapter may lie elsewhere, depending on interest from other NFL teams and Indianapolis’ strategic plans. This decision represents a critical juncture for both the player and the franchise as they weigh health, performance, and long-term roster considerations.