INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have made their primary quarterback decision for 2026, opting to continue with Daniel Jones as their starter despite his torn Achilles tendon suffered in early December. Meanwhile, Riley Leonard is emerging as a reliable backup, leaving the future of 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. unclear as the team moves forward.
The Colts’ Quarterback Situation Heading into 2026
The Colts have decided to stick with Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, a plan that comes despite his recent serious injury. Jones’s position is seen as the most stable among the Colts’ quarterbacks, reinforced by the team’s efforts to support him through his recovery. Riley Leonard, who barely played last season, made a positive impression both in practice and during his single start against the Houston Texans in the season finale, suggesting he will remain the team’s second option on the depth chart.
Amid these developments, Anthony Richardson’s path with the Colts appears complicated. Selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson was viewed as a potential long-term answer at quarterback after the team’s search following Andrew Luck’s retirement. However, his progress has been interrupted by setbacks, injuries, and inconsistent performance, leading to uncertainty about his role moving forward.
Anthony Richardson’s Struggles and Status with the Team
Richardson’s initial opportunity as a rookie starter ended prematurely after a shoulder injury sidelined him following four games. The following 2024 season saw him struggle with accuracy and turnovers, throwing 12 interceptions and posting the lowest completion percentage in the league at 47.7%, although he managed a 6-5 record as a starter. After being benched midseason for veteran Joe Flacco, who failed to improve the offense, Richardson was reinstated and led game-winning drives against the New York Jets and New England Patriots before a back injury ended his campaign early.
In 2025, Richardson’s involvement plummeted to just five snaps after a freak pregame warmup accident resulted in a fractured orbital bone and eye injury, forcing him onto injured reserve. Public statements from the Colts’ leadership have been notably neutral concerning Richardson’s future, with no firm commitment made toward him, making him the only quarterback on the roster without clear assurances.
When asked about the possibility of parting ways with Richardson, general manager Chris Ballard responded, “That’s a very fair question,” then added,
“We’ll kind of see going forward how that ends up playing out.”
This cautious stance was mirrored by head coach Shane Steichen, emphasizing the team’s wait-and-see approach.
Team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon addressed the situation as well, stating,
“I think I’m going to stay in my lane on that one. But I feel horrible for Anthony with the injuries that he’s had to endure, and I know [Ballard] and [Steichen] are going to do the right thing.”
Contract Details and Potential Trade Value
Richardson currently has one year remaining on his rookie contract if the Colts choose not to exercise his 2027 fifth-year option, with a May 1 deadline looming for that decision. He is due a $4.24 million roster bonus in August and is set to carry a $10.82 million cap hit in 2026. Should the Colts decide to trade him before June 1, they would save $5.385 million against the salary cap.
If fully recovered from his facial injury, Richardson remains a potentially valuable asset. Recent trades involving young quarterbacks such as Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, Malik Willis, and Taylor Heinicke demonstrate the demand for players of his profile, suggesting the Colts could receive meaningful draft-pick compensation should they move him.
Richardson’s Outlook and Response to His Situation
Despite his uncertain status and setbacks, Richardson continues to project confidence in his own abilities and future in the NFL. Coming off an encouraging training camp in 2025 where he competed strongly with Daniel Jones, and considering he will not turn 24 until May, Richardson remains optimistic about proving his potential.
When asked if he believes he still has the chance to fulfill the promise that made him a top-five draft pick, Richardson responded without hesitation.
“If I’ve still got a chance to play football, then it’s always out there.”
Prior to the Colts’ season finale, Richardson expressed that he is focused on the present rather than getting ahead of himself about 2026.
“I haven’t necessarily thought about my future here because I don’t see anything wrong right now,”
he said.
“Setbacks happen. The injury to my eye, that kind of happened. So, that kind of dictated what happened throughout the season. But I haven’t really put too much thought into anything because I’ve been taking it day-by-day and just working.”
What Lies Ahead for the Colts’ Quarterback Group
With the Colts committed to Daniel Jones as their starter and Riley Leonard developing into a reliable backup, the franchise’s posture regarding Anthony Richardson remains in flux. The organization’s leadership has refrained from making definitive statements about Richardson’s future, and the general manager’s comments suggest the possibility of a decision that could reshape the quarterback room in the near term.
Richardson’s case underscores the challenges the Colts face in replacing Andrew Luck and the delicate balance in developing young quarterbacks while seeking immediate success. Whether Richardson can overcome injuries and inconsistency to reclaim a significant role with the Colts, or whether he will be moved to another team, will become clearer as the offseason progresses and the draft approaches.
The situation carries significant implications for Indianapolis’s roster construction and cap management heading into 2026, as well as for Richardson’s career trajectory. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Colts finalize their plans for both the quarterback position and the team’s broader competitive outlook.
