Anthony Richardson seeks trade but stays with Colts, competing for backup role

Quarterback Anthony Richardson has requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts but remains with the team and is taking part in voluntary offseason workouts in May 2026. Team officials granted him permission to explore trade options in February. Indianapolis declined Richardson’s fifth-year option, leaving one season on his rookie deal, yet the former No. 4 pick continues to prepare for the season and compete on the depth chart.

Since the start of the offseason program, Richardson has emphasized focusing on his development while the club evaluates its quarterback room. The Colts have maintained that he can continue to work while they consider potential suitors, though no substantial offers have emerged to date. For now, the plan is for Richardson to battle for positioning behind the starter.

The depth-chart picture shifted earlier in the spring when Indianapolis re-signed starting quarterback Daniel Jones and continued to bring along 2025 draft pick Riley Leonard. That context, combined with the declined option, clarified Richardson’s standing entering OTAs and set the stage for a competition for the No. 2 role.

On the field, Richardson’s three-season sample includes 15 starts (11 in 2024) with 1,814 passing yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He added 499 rushing yards on 86 carries with six scores but had seven fumbles. His career completion rate sits at 50.6%, underscoring both the athletic upside and the need for steadier efficiency.

Colts’ quarterback plans and contract calculus

By declining the fifth-year option, the Colts kept near-term flexibility and signaled that 2026 will serve as an extended evaluation period unless an acceptable trade materializes. Officials are comfortable allowing Richardson to play out his rookie contract as depth while surveying the market.

Indianapolis opened the 2025 season 7-1 before stumbling after a quarterback injury, highlighting the premium the staff places on reliability. With Jones established atop the chart and Leonard developing, the organization prefers rhythm-based efficiency at the position, a standard Richardson will aim to meet to climb the hierarchy.

Trade market remains quiet for now

Despite granting permission months ago, the team has not received strong proposals for Richardson. The situation leaves both sides with a pragmatic path: the Colts retain depth at a critical position, and Richardson gets reps to showcase progress for potential suitors.

Performance trends, health and outlook

Richardson has flashed arm strength and burst as a runner, but giveaways have hampered drives and momentum. The turnover profile — including interceptions and fumbles — and a 50.6% completion rate reflect the consistency gap he must close to win trust in a timing-driven offense.

He was placed on injured reserve in Week 6 last season due to vision issues after fracturing his orbital bone, but he has returned to full strength for spring work. Participating in OTAs gives him a platform to refine decision-making and quick-game execution, areas that could define his ceiling if called upon during the season.

What’s next in Indianapolis

All eyes turn to the remainder of the offseason program, training camp snaps and preseason usage. If the trade market changes — whether through injuries elsewhere or shifting evaluations — Indianapolis could revisit discussions, but for now the focus is internal competition and incremental improvement.