INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts have given quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. permission to seek a trade, his agent told ESPN on Thursday, the latest twist in the young player’s complicated career.
Richardson lost a preseason position battle with veteran Daniel Jones before last season, relegating him to the No. 2 spot. Now, with the Colts committed to trying to re-sign Jones as their starter for the foreseeable future, Richardson faces an uncertain path forward in Indianapolis.
Agent Deiric Jackson having the ability to explore a trade gives Richardson the potential of finding a new start after three tumultuous seasons in Indianapolis. The 2023 fourth overall draft pick has started 15 games for the Colts, throwing 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Injuries have stymied him throughout his career, with Richardson missing 13 games after shoulder surgery as a rookie in 2023 and four games to multiple injuries in 2024.
Last season, Richardson sustained a fractured orbital bone in a freak pregame warmup incident. That injury left Richardson on injured reserve, where he finished the season.
Richardson, who is still just 23, had his vision impacted by the injury. But recent consultations with doctors indicate his vision has been restored, Jackson said. One physician noted his vision in a recent test to be 20/20 when using both eyes.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday that the vision issues were “trending in the right direction” and that Richardson was “cleared to play.” But he did not indicate the issues were fully resolved.
The Colts are expected to move forward this year with Jones and 2025 draft pick Riley Leonard at 1 and 2, respectively, on their quarterback depth chart. Jones sustained a torn Achilles tendon in early December but is on schedule to return for the start of next season, Ballard said this week. Jones is a pending free agent, but Ballard said Tuesday that he remains hopeful the Colts can re-sign him to a new deal without having to use the franchise tag.
Ballard said “I still believe in Anthony” when asked about the player’s future this week, but it has been clear for quite some time that Richardson did not have a clear role with the team in 2026. The Colts’ decision to bench him temporarily in 2024 undermined their statements about their belief in him. And the decision to go out and sign Jones as a free agent last spring created additional doubt about Richardson’s long-term viability with the franchise.
The decision to allow conversations with other teams was communicated during a meeting with Ballard and Richardson’s camp on Thursday. In that meeting, Ballard expressed a willingness to work with Richardson to find a suitable landing spot. That’s why the decision to allow Jackson to speak with other teams and find a match works in the player’s favor.
Richardson has one season remaining on his rookie contract unless his 2027 fifth-year option is exercised. He has a $1.145 million base salary, plus a $4.24 million roster bonus that is due in August. The Colts would save $5.385 million in salary cap space with $5.43 million in dead money if Richardson is traded before June 1.
