Colts Take First Step In Potential Anthony Richardson Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 12:58 PM ET

In three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, quarterback Anthony Richardson has missed twice as many games as he's played. As he heads into his fourth season, the Colts seem ready to move on from the former No. 4 overall pick.

According to ESPN Colts insider Stephen Holder, the Colts granted Richardson permission to seek a trade during the NFL Scouting Combine this week. The decision comes following another injury-filled season that saw him quickly beaten out of the starting job by Daniel Jones.

"The Indianapolis Colts have given quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. permission to seek a trade, a league source told ESPN," Holder reported on Thursday. "Richardson has battled numerous injuries and was beaten out by veteran Daniel Jones in a preseason quarterback battle last season. Now, with Jones slated to be re-signed and to continue as the starter, Richardson faces an uncertain path forward."

Story: https://t.co/DR7wh32OgT
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 26, 2026

A second chance or a fading star?

Richardson was a controversial selection by the Colts back in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was far from a polished passer as a member of the Florida Gators from 2020 to 2022 and didn't even make up for it with dominance on the ground either.

But Richardson had a level of clutch playmaking ability that made a number of NFL scouts salivate at his potential. So the Colts pushed their chips into the middle of the table and took him early in the 2023 NFL Draft.

As a rookie, Richardson showed some promise. He completed 64.9-percent of his passes for 223 yards and a touchdown while adding another on the ground in his NFL debut. He went 2-2 as a starter before suffering a season-ending injury in mid-October.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 10: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts scrambles in the second half of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Injuries plagued Richardson throughout the 2024 season and his passing didn't really improve. He finished the season with a 6-5 record while completing a ghastly 47.7-percent of his passes.

By 2025, Richardson had already been written off by the coaching staff and Jones was able to come right in and take the starting job from him in Week 1. He took just 14 snaps last season.

Will the Colts find a trade partner for Richardson, or will his NFL career be over before he even hits his mid-20s?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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