It seems like the Anthony Richardson experiment in Indianapolis is over.
The No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft only played 15 games in his first two seasons and lost a training camp battle to Daniel Jones this year. Jones’ success at the helm of a Colts offense that is mostly unchanged from their last two campaigns has seemingly made it clear that Richardson was simply not ready for a starting role.
The Colts have seemingly decided to move on from Richardson at some point. They won’t pick up his $22.9MM fifth-year option for the 2027 season (via OverTheCap) and could even try to trade him in the next year before his rookie contract expires.
Teams may even have interest at this season’s trade deadline. There is no doubt that Richardson has struggled to start his career, but his physical traits will remain tantalizing for any coach who believes that they can get the best out of him. Acquiring him this year (as opposed to in the offseason) will allow him to get acclimated in a new system and hit the ground running in 2026.
Such a path forward might be appealing to Richardson, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who mentioned Sean McVay and the Rams as a potential possibility. Retirement rumors have followed Matthew Stafford in the past two offseason, and Richardson could be a low-cost lottery ticket for future starter.
The Steelers come to mind as a team in a similar situation with Aaron Rodgers, though offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has not fielded a top-10 unit since his time in Tennessee. The Raiders also have an uncertain future under center beyond 34-year-old Geno Smith. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and minority owner Tom Brady could be part of the appeal in Las Vegas.
Of course, this is all assuming that there is a team who wants Richardson and a desire from both Richardson and the Colts to part ways. That does not seem to be the case quite yet, though offers of opportunity for the former and draft capital for the latter may be enough to change their minds.
I think he is in a bad spot despite his physical gifts.
A true backuo is someone who can maybe ho .500 for a few games, not a development player.
I think it’s practice squad path for him. I doubt he gets a chance to start right away.
Not an NFL QB. Barely a college QB
Every GM in the league knows the Colts will eventually cut Richardson so why would they give up anything in a trade?
And his 2026 salary is guaranteed as a result of his 1st round contract. Who wants that? This guy will either play for the Colts as a backup in 2026 or get released. Anyone with a brain knew he was overdrafted at #4–but I’m pretty sure Jim Irsay ordered his selection.
Richardson was the highest upside QB in that draft. He was also the most raw with the highest risk of bust potential. Going 4 wasnt the problem. Going to Indy was. He needed to sit and be developed for a year because he was nowhere near ready.
i want Miami to pick him up as we all know Tua will get a concussion again and be out of the NFL and I don’t think Wilson will last long so I think he could develop in Miami
Richardson only had 12 starts in college, with mixed results. Being taken #4 overall, you can’t blame him for taking the money when he had the chance, but regarding his development as a quarterback, he’s one more example, unfortunately, that staying another year probably would’ve benefited him. The same goes for Trey Lance. It’s a tough choice to make, there is certainly risk involved, but generally, staying another year to develop usually works out for the best. I hope Richardson (and Lance) proves me wrong in the future.
Send him to the bengals for a fourth
Has he shown any hint of being good in the NFL?
One of the strangest draft choices in the history of the NFL.
Taking a “quarterback” who can’t pass at 4th overall.