Indianapolis Colts Allow QB Anthony Richardson to Explore Trade Options

The Indianapolis Colts have authorized quarterback Anthony Richardson to seek a trade with other teams, according to league sources. Richardson, the 4th overall pick in 2023, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play during his brief NFL career. The move comes as the Colts work to re-sign Daniel Jones, who had taken over the starting role.

INDIANAPOLIS — Sources close to the situation confirm that the Indianapolis Colts have authorized quarterback Anthony Richardson to explore trade opportunities with other NFL franchises, according to information obtained Thursday.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity as the organization has not made any public statements regarding the matter.

Indianapolis had high hopes that Richardson would develop into their cornerstone quarterback when they selected him fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the former University of Florida standout’s tenure has been marked by setbacks and health concerns.

This development follows comments made just two days earlier by Colts General Manager Chris Ballard, who expressed continued confidence in Richardson’s potential to succeed with the franchise.

When reporters asked whether Richardson might benefit from a change of scenery, Ballard responded: “I’m not going to say that. Anthony’s still young, he’s still developing so we’ll see what the future holds.”

This isn’t the first instance of Ballard allowing a player to explore their options. In August 2023, Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor received similar permission during contract negotiations. Taylor ultimately remained with Indianapolis, signing a three-year, $42 million extension less than two months later.

However, Richardson’s situation appears more complex.

The young quarterback’s development has been hampered by numerous obstacles since earning the starting position during his rookie training camp. His debut season was cut short after just four appearances, with only one complete game, due to right shoulder surgery that ended his 2023 campaign.

Richardson’s 2024 season brought continued challenges with both health and performance issues.

While he started in all 11 games he played, Richardson missed significant time due to various ailments including a hip strain, foot and back problems. He also faced criticism after removing himself from a game mid-season, citing fatigue following back-to-back rushing attempts, which led to a two-game benching. His completion percentage of 47.7% ranked as the lowest among regular NFL starters, accompanied by eight touchdown passes and 12 interceptions.

These struggles led Indianapolis to sign free agent Daniel Jones in March.

Jones, who was the sixth overall selection by the New York Giants in 2019, won the starting quarterback competition last August. As Jones performed well during the season’s first half, Richardson continued battling injuries.

A second right shoulder injury in May was followed by a dislocated finger on his throwing hand in August. Richardson’s season effectively ended in October with a fractured orbital bone sustained in an unusual pregame incident. Combined with Jones’ solid performance, these setbacks limited Richardson to just two game appearances where he completed one of two pass attempts for nine yards.

Jones faces potential free agency next month while recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon that sidelined him for Indianapolis’ final four contests. The team’s 8-2 start gave way to four consecutive losses without Jones, ultimately costing them a playoff berth. The Colts are currently negotiating a new contract with Jones.

“We’re expecting him back for training camp, but the way he works and who he is, you know, it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s sooner,” Ballard said Tuesday regarding Jones’ recovery timeline. “He’ll be back and he’ll be ready to go, and I think he’ll have a good year. We’ve hard great discussions with both of them (Jones and possible free agent receiver Alec Pierce), we’ll continue to work this week and see if we can get something done. It’s been very positive.”

These developments cast further doubt on Richardson’s long-term prospects in Indianapolis.

Despite the uncertainty, Ballard maintained positive remarks about Richardson’s character and progress.

“He’s a really good teammate, positive, wants to do the right thing,” Ballard commented about Richardson. “So it’s trending in the right direction, still got a ways to go but he’s cleared to play, and he is getting better, so we’ll work from there.”