Anthony Richardson, the former first-round NFL draft pick, is reportedly considering asking for a trade away from the Indianapolis Colts, following his loss of the starting quarterback position. This development comes after a preseason battle with Daniel Jones, who is now widely expected to sign a new contract with the Colts and become their starter once he recovers from an Achilles injury.
Quarterback Shakeup in Indianapolis
Richardson, who is still only 23 years old, finds himself in a precarious situation as ESPN claims he will seek an exit from Indianapolis. The Colts' plans appear to center around Jones, formerly of the New York Giants, leaving Richardson out in the cold. With the team believing that 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard can serve as Jones' backup, opportunities for Richardson are likely to be scarce in the upcoming season.
Injury Struggles and Performance Issues
Since being selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has faced a series of challenges. He has dealt with an array of injuries, including a fractured orbital bone near his eye in a bizarre pregame accident that sidelined him after mid-October. Additionally, his accuracy has been a concern, and he threw only two passes in 2025, further complicating his standing with the team.
Colts' Organizational Decisions
The Colts' head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard are navigating a significant offseason, having been given a stay of execution by owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon. Despite calls from some fans to fire them after the team's struggles, Irsay-Gordon resisted, marking a key move since taking over day-to-day operations from her late father, Jim. Ballard has managed just two playoff appearances and one postseason win in nine years, while Steichen holds a 25-26 record over three seasons without a playoff berth.
Impact of Daniel Jones' Injury
The Colts' season unraveled quickly after Jones suffered a torn right Achilles tendon while attempting to play through a fractured lower left leg. This led to a seven-game losing streak that knocked them out of playoff contention once again. With Jones set to return as the starter, Richardson's role has diminished, shifting attention to what compensation the Colts might secure for him in this year's draft.
As the offseason progresses, Richardson's future with the Colts looks uncertain, with trade discussions likely to dominate headlines as the team reshapes its quarterback lineup.
