Colts Grant QB Anthony Richardson Permission to Seek Trade

The Indianapolis Colts have given quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, his agent Deiric Jackson confirmed Thursday, marking a significant turn in the former top-five pick’s turbulent tenure in Indianapolis.

A Fresh Start Appears Inevitable

The decision follows a meeting between Colts general manager Chris Ballard and Richardson’s representatives, during which both sides agreed it would be best to explore opportunities elsewhere.

Richardson, selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, started 15 games across three seasons. He threw 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions while battling a series of injuries that repeatedly stalled his development. As a rookie, shoulder surgery sidelined him for 13 games. In 2024, multiple ailments cost him four more contests. Last season, he fractured an orbital bone during a pregame warmup incident, landing on injured reserve to close the year.

Though the injury initially affected his vision, recent medical evaluations showed improvement. According to his agent, one physician documented 20/20 vision using both eyes. Ballard earlier this week said Richardson’s condition was “trending in the right direction” and that he had been cleared to play.

No Clear Path in Indianapolis

Richardson’s role diminished after losing a preseason quarterback competition to veteran Daniel Jones. With the Colts aiming to re-sign Jones and 2025 draft pick Riley Leonard expected to factor into the depth chart, Richardson faced limited prospects for playing time in 2026.

Ballard publicly maintained belief in Richardson’s potential earlier this week, but Indianapolis’ actions — including signing Jones and reshaping the quarterback room — signaled a different trajectory. Granting trade permission allows Richardson’s camp to gauge interest and potentially secure a better developmental fit.

One team reportedly monitoring the situation is the Minnesota Vikings, who are evaluating options to round out their quarterback room.

Financial and Contract Implications

Richardson has one season remaining on his rookie contract, with a 2027 fifth-year option decision looming. He is scheduled to earn a $1.145 million base salary plus a $4.24 million roster bonus due in August. A pre–June 1 trade would save the Colts roughly $5.385 million in cap space while leaving approximately $5.43 million in dead money.

For Indianapolis, the return on a trade likely falls well short of the draft capital invested three years ago. For Richardson, however, the opportunity represents a reset — a chance to rebuild value in a new system better suited to his athletic profile and developmental timeline.

Whether a deal materializes or ultimately leads to a release remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Richardson’s future no longer appears tied to Indianapolis.

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