Quarterback Anthony Richardson has been with the Indianapolis Colts since he was drafted in 2023. Now, the team faces a tough decision on what to do with its former first-round draft pick.

The journey

Richardson was drafted fourth overall in the draft, which shows Indianapolis saw potential in Richardson. During his three-year collegiate career at Florida from 2020-2022, he threw for 3,105 yards and 24 touchdowns. Since entering the NFL, Richardson has not had an easy career.

In his debut season, he only played in four games, throwing for 577 yards and three touchdowns. Richardson then suffered a shoulder injury, which took him out for the rest of the season.

Once recovered, his second year proved to be much more successful. He threw for over 1,800 yards and completed eight touchdowns. He missed time during the season due to various injuries. In 2025, he once again sat out most of the season injured, suffering an orbital bone fracture. Even once recovered, Richardson was benched, and Daniel Jones was chosen as the starter over him.

Going into this offseason, one of the biggest questions is what the Colts are going to do with Richardson. After signing Jones to a two-year $88 million contract, it seems clear what direction the Colts are going when it comes to quarterback. However, that does not necessarily mean the Colts will get rid of him.

The decision

When Richardson originally signed, the deal was a four-year, $39 million guaranteed contract. That means that this is Richardson’s last season with the team already. The Colts have already made moves in free agency, but nothing has been done with Richardson, unlike what most people expected.

There have been rumors of trades to another team, including the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams, but nothing has come to fruition. According to Adam Schefter, the market has not been what the Colts expected. At this time, they have not decided to make a deal for Richardson yet.

At this point, the Colts should keep him. Most of the teams that Richardson is rumored to be traded to would be treating Richardson as a backup. This is how the Colts plan to use him anyway. With only one year left on the contract, the Colts could keep Richardson for this season as a backup and then decide to trade him after his contract expires. Richardson is a better option than Riley Leonard if he is able to stay healthy.

It is clear that what is being offered for Richardson is not good enough for the Colts, or they likely would have traded him already. It is fair that there may be hesitation from other teams. Richardson has been injury-riddled and has not produced what was expected. He has not played a full season without missing time due to injury.

Richardson still has time to grow and develop; he is young and early in his career. While he may not be the starter in Indianapolis, he will have time to learn. For Richardson’s sake, a trade might be in his best interest. A change of scenery and coach might be what jump-starts his career. However, as of now, the Colts should keep Richardson as a backup; he is still a good option, and there are no good offers.