The Indianapolis Colts are grappling with a difficult situation regarding their 2023 first-round pick, quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose future with the team looks increasingly uncertain after he dropped behind Daniel Jones and rookie Riley Leonard on the depth chart. Richardson’s limited playtime this season, hampered by a rare pregame eye injury, has left the team’s leadership reluctant to confirm his long-term role.
Despite being drafted fourth overall three years ago as the franchise’s anticipated franchise quarterback, Richardson has only appeared in five snaps in 2025. When questioned about Richardson’s status, General Manager Chris Ballard responded candidly, saying, “That’s a very fair question.” He declined to offer reassurance, adding only,
“see going forward how that ends up playing out.”
Statistical Challenges Reflect Struggles on the Field
Richardson’s tenure in the NFL has been marked by uneven performances and persistent injuries. Across 17 games, he has completed just 47.7% of his passes, accumulating 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions, and holding a career passer rating of 67.8. These figures highlight the difficulties he has faced in adjusting to the professional level.
His 2024 season was especially fraught; although he started 11 games with a 6-5 record, he posted the lowest completion percentage in the league and was benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco midway through the year. While Richardson managed notable comeback victories against the New York Jets and New England Patriots upon returning, a back injury prematurely ended his campaign.
Following these struggles, the Colts’ acquisition of Daniel Jones signaled a shift in their quarterback strategy. Even with Jones’s Achilles injury in December, Indianapolis has publicly committed to him as the starting quarterback for the upcoming 2026 season. Meanwhile, Riley Leonard has earned the role of backup, impressing the coaching staff with his performances.
Potential Trade Opportunities and Market Outlook
Despite his difficulties, Richardson retains trade value due to his age and potential. At 23, he fits the profile of a developmental quarterback, which has attracted interest in similar players like Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, and Justin Fields, who have recently moved teams for fresh starts.
Financial considerations also make a trade plausible. Should the Colts move Richardson before June 1st, they would save $5.385 million in salary cap space, while his $10.82 million cap hit remains affordable for interested franchises.
Among possible destinations, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as a prospective landing spot. With veteran Aaron Rodgers facing an uncertain future at 42 years old, new head coach Mike McCarthy may view Richardson as a viable option to compete for playing time should Rodgers retire.
Maintaining a positive outlook, Richardson told reporters,
“If I’ve still got a chance to play football, then it’s always out there.”
Yet, this optimism may not be enough to secure his place in Indianapolis.
The Road Ahead for Richardson and the Colts
The Colts’ silence about Richardson’s future speaks volumes, indicating a franchise ready to pivot away from their former cornerstone quarterback. Once considered the heir to Andrew Luck, Richardson’s rapid decline is a stark reminder of the NFL’s harsh realities for high draft picks.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Richardson will be given another opportunity to prove himself with Indianapolis or start anew elsewhere. His unfolding journey underscores the unpredictability of professional football careers and the constant pressure on players to fulfill lofty expectations.
