Indianapolis Colts have granted quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, opening the door to a franchise reset less than three years after investing the fourth overall pick in him. The decision underscores a clear shift in direction as Indianapolis evaluates its long-term plans at the position heading into the 2026 offseason.
Richardson, now 24, entered the league in 2023 viewed as a high-upside dual-threat talent capable of transforming Colts’ offense. While flashes of athletic brilliance surfaced during his time as a starter, sustained momentum proved elusive.
In 17 appearances (15 starts) across parts of three seasons, Richardson compiled an 8-7 record. He completed 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His mobility remained a defining asset, producing 634 rushing yards and 10 scores on 115 carries.
However, his 2025 campaign altered the trajectory. Richardson lost the starting role to Daniel Jones before suffering a broken orbital bone in a pregame warmup accident in Week 6. He was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending injury, though ESPN later reported that his vision had been restored.
Daniel Jones’ emergence reshapes the depth chart
Indianapolis’ willingness to allow Richardson to explore trade options is closely tied to Daniel Jones’ performance. After an uneven tenure with the New York Giants that included neck and ACL injuries, Jones stabilized Indianapolis Colts’ offense in 2025.
He threw for 3,101 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions, powering Indianapolis to an 8-2 start. Even while playing through a fractured left fibula, Jones delivered consistent production before his season concluded on Dec. 7 due to an Achilles injury suffered in Jacksonville.
For his career, Jones has completed 64.7% of his passes for 17,683 yards and 89 touchdowns against 55 interceptions in 83 regular-season games (82 starts). He also brings mobility, totaling 2,343 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
With the Colts appearing intent on retaining Jones, Richardson’s pathway back to the starting lineup narrowed significantly.
A critical crossroads
Granting Richardson permission to seek a trade gives both sides clarity. For Indianapolis Colts, it signals commitment to its current quarterback trajectory. For Richardson, it presents a chance to recalibrate his career in a system aligned with his strengths.
At 24, time remains on his side. The coming weeks could determine whether a new environment unlocks the potential that once made him one of the most intriguing prospects of his draft class.