Why Colts Granted Quarterback Anthony Richardson Permission to Seek Trade
The Indianapolis Colts have given anthony richardson permission to seek a trade, a formal step that reflects concern about his long-term role after three seasons and growing roster clarity at quarterback.
Anthony Richardson's standing with the Colts
The team originally selected Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Over three seasons he has struggled to deliver consistent play when on the field and has dealt with recurring injury issues. Those combined performance and availability concerns have left his place on the roster uncertain.
Why the Colts granted trade permission
The move to let Richardson explore trade options follows several roster decisions that reduced his path to a starting role. In 2025 the Colts chose to start Daniel Jones over Richardson, a clear signal that the club prioritized Jones for the immediate future. Team planning has also included interest in another quarterback as a backup option for 2026, a development that further shrinks Richardson's opportunity to reclaim the primary job.
What comes next for Richardson
At 23 years old, Richardson remains young enough that other teams might view a change of scenery as a chance to revive his career, despite a markedly diminished market value after inconsistent play and injuries. If the Colts move forward with a long-term deal for the current starter and carry the younger QB as a No. 2 option in 2026, Richardson would be increasingly expendable and more likely to be traded.
Any actual trade interest will be shaped by how teams weigh Richardson's physical tools and upside against his injury history and production to date. The permission to seek a trade does not by itself mean a deal is imminent; it creates an opportunity for other clubs and the player to explore fits while the Colts finalize quarterback plans for the coming seasons.
Forward look and conditional scenarios
If the Colts re-sign their current starter on a long-term contract and commit to the younger backup option for 2026, the most probable outcome is that Richardson is moved before the next season to clear roster and salary space. Conversely, if those roster moves do not materialize, the team could retain Richardson as depth while continuing to evaluate him. Details about timing, compensation, or interested teams are not publicly confirmed and remain unclear at this time.
Key indicators to watch are the team's contract decisions for the starter, the official designation of the backup for 2026, and any public updates on Richardson's health and readiness. Each will influence whether the Colts complete a trade and how other teams value him on the open market.
