For the third time in his career, Anthony Richardson was put on the bench after losing a training camp battle with Daniel Jones before the start of the 2025 season.
Looking for a new opportunity elsewhere, Richardson requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, but no deal has been made so far.
The quarterback skipped the first sessions of OTAs, and with the Colts declining his fifth-year option, there are clear signs Indy is willing to move on from him. But after recent developments, it appears Richardson will remain with the organization.
Insider Gives Update On Former First-Round Pick
GettyAnthony Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
After initially skipping out on OTAs in hopes of a trade, Anthony Richardson has returned to the Indianapolis Colts’ practice field following an orbital fracture sustained in the 2025 season.
There were rumors of teams being interested in the former Florida Gator, including the Green Bay Packers, but their backup spot is taken after signing Tyrod Taylor to the roster.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter gave an update on Richardson after another team filled its backup quarterback role.
“Right now, he’s stuck in Indianapolis. The value is not what the Colts would’ve wanted to make any potential trade,” Schefter said on Sportcenter. “Rather than deal him away, the Colts figured it was best to hold onto him right now… And even though there was not a team willing to surrender the type of draft-pick compensation the Colts would want, now doesn’t mean that won’t happen later in training camp.”
“There might be [a team] who’s willing to pay more for Anthony Richardson in August than they were in April prior to or during the NFL draft. And so, the Colts made the decision to hold onto the former high 1st-round draft pick and not deal him.”
Remaining a member of the Indianapolis Colts, Richardson will need to have a strong training camp (and remain healthy) if he wants another opportunity either with the Colts or elsewhere.
But as of now, Anthony Richardson will appear to sit on the bench for four consecutive seasons to start his career,
Anthony Richardson May Have One Final Opportunity
GettyAnthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones signed a two-year, $88 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts and has cemented himself as the team’s long-term answer at quarterback. But after suffering a fractured leg and Achilles tear late in the 2025 season, Jones may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
If Jones is not 100% by Week 1, the backup quarterback for the Colts, either Richardson, Riley Leonard, or someone else, could be the signal caller for Indy.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter spoke to the media at OTAs and said that it is too early for the team to “stamp” players at the backup positions.
This gives Richardson some hope to find himself in the running to be the starting quarterback again, which could be his final opportunity to prove he can be a starter in the NFL.
If Anthony Richardson shows the potential expected of him from the 2023 draft, it could also work in Indy’s favor, boosting his trade value.
ESPN Insider Gives Update on Anthony Richardson Trade Search