It appears that the Indianapolis Colts may have found their long-term, or even franchise quarterback.
The Colts took a gamble on signing Daniel Jones before the start of the 2025 season to win the starting job. Jones won the starting position and appeared to be the right choice to lead the team down the field.
Jones was on track to have the best season of his career in most metrics, helping the Colts to a 7-1 record after 8 weeks. The former Duke Blue Devil had 3,101 passing yards, 19 pass touchdowns and 5 rushing touchdowns while dealing with a fractured leg that hindered his performances.
Indy may have found the answer to the quarterback woes of the last few seasons, but that may spell the end of another QB on the depth chart.
Former Fourth Overall Pick On The Trade Block
GettyThe starting job is far from settled in Indy
Just four years ago, Anthony Richardson was selected to be the quarterback who could carry the Indianapolis Colts back to the playoffs.
Yet, through three seasons, Richardson has yet to play a complete season, featuring in 17 games in his career.
Richardson has dealt with multiple injuries that have affected his development, but he has yet to perform to the first-round standard given to him. The former Florida Gator threw for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions so far in his career.
The quarterback is still 23 years old, but his time with the team may be coming to an end in the near future.
Pro Football Focus names the former fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft as one of fifteen trade candidates for the 2026 offseason.
“The Colts’ path to contention was rapidly dashed midseason, especially after Daniel Jones tore his Achilles in Week 14. Now, Indianapolis has several major questions ahead — including what to do with Richardson,” Bradley Locker wrote for PFF. “The former fourth overall pick played just 14 total snaps last season, missing a golden opportunity to gain reps because of an orbital fracture. Across his three-year career, Richardson has recorded just a 60.0 overall PFF grade with 22 big-time throws and 19 turnover-worthy plays.”
“The Colts will likely want to secure at least some viable depth behind Jones coming off of a significant injury, which could convince them to retain Richardson. But it also wouldn’t be surprising to teams take a swing on the 23-year-old, especially given his raw talent and the recent wave of first-round reclamation projects under center.”
Indianapolis will have to make a big decision regarding Richardson, not just by trading him, but deciding whether to pick up the player’s fifth-year option, which is given to all first-round picks.
According to Over the Cap, Richardson will have a $22.9 million cap hit if the Colts were to pick up his fifth-year option.
What Would Be Next For Anthony Richardson?
GettyAnthony Richardson may have more to offer
As mentioned above, Anthony Richardson is just 23 years old and will still have plenty of years to find the right team for his development.
Daniel Jones changed his scenery and proved to work well for him with the Indianapolis Colts.
Sam Darnold had his best season in his one season with the Minnesota Vikings, before throwing for another 4,000-yard season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Richardson’s play style may not match Shane Steichen’s offense. Finding a new team that could suit his game and could bring out the best in the player.
Indy has the decision on the former first-round pick who may keep the player as a backup option.
Colts May Part Ways With Former First Round Pick