The situation hasn’t changed regarding the Indianapolis Colts endless quarterback carousel, but the optics have. Quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. walked back into the Colts’ facility Monday to participate in voluntary offseason workouts.
Despite a trade request that still hangs over the franchise, his presence during the install period signals he’s willing to put in the work this go-round. Richardson requested a trade from the Colts in late February after losing ground in a crowded quarterback room,
but the market never materialized. League-wide interest remains minimal, which leaves Indianapolis with little leverage to find a willing suitor.
The Colts declined Richardson’s fifth-year option, which would have guaranteed Richardson north of $22 million for the 2027 season. The 23-year-old was in line to make more than $100 million on a long-term extension with the franchise that once thought he could be the answer.
The organization effectively placed him on a prove-it timeline in 2026. Richardson has played in just 17 of a possible 51 games in his three-year career. He’s thrown for 2,400 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, along with 10 rushing touchdowns against 13 interceptions and 12 fumbles.
Indy’s quarterback situation remains fragile. Daniel Jones is working back from a torn Achilles that ended his 2025 season early after just 10 games. Last season, that desperation forced Indianapolis to turn to grandfather Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement to start a late-season road game against the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
The Colts have started eight different starting QBs in the last nine season openers. Believe it or not, the only QB in the last decade that has started twice in that span is Richardson. It’s even more mercurial at the end of each season as Riley Leonard became the eighth different QB to start the season finale in the last eight seasons. That constant instability is part of why Richardson still matters here.
The former No. 4 overall pick has flashed elite athletic upside but struggled to stay on the field, while battling numerous injuries and overall inconsistency. His development stalled, his role diminished, yet his potential continues to complicate any clean break from Indy.
The Colts enter Phase 2 of their offseason program. It’s a pivotal contract year that could determine whether Richardson’s future lies in Indianapolis or elsewhere. For now, the trade request remains unanswered and Richardson, at least for the moment, has returned to the building.
