Colts, Anthony Richardson Sr. decision reportedly 'beginning to feel inevitable'

By all accounts, the Indianapolis Colts bringing Daniel Jones back to serve as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season is "a formality," even though Jones is on track to reach free agency when the new league year opens on March 11.

For an article published on Tuesday, ESPN's Stephen Holder shared that there's "no trepidation" that Jones and the Colts will work something out, even if that something involves Indianapolis retaining Jones' rights via the franchise tag. 

Meanwhile, backup signal-caller and 2023 first-round draft choice Anthony Richardson Sr. remains on the Colts roster this winter. It sounds like the two sides will soon agree that a divorce is what's best for all involved. 

Anthony Richardson Sr. expected to ask Colts for a fresh start

"Assuming his vision issues are resolved after his freak orbital bone injury, look for him to seek a trade," Holder wrote about Richardson. "There has been no request just yet, according to team sources, but it is beginning to feel inevitable." 

Holder was referencing the stunning orbital fracture that Richardson suffered during a pregame warmup ahead of the Colts' Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals. That was just the latest physical setback for a 23-year-old who missed 17 regular-season games due to injuries from 2023 through the 2024 campaign.

Pro Football Reference stats show that Richardson ended the 2024 regular season ranked last in the league among qualified players with a 61.6 passer rating and a 47.7 percent completion percentage. He made zero starts during the 2025 campaign, but the Colts seem to believe Richardson could still have some value as a tradable asset. 

"Each of the following quarterbacks was traded for draft-pick compensation in the past two seasons: Kenny Pickett (twice), Sam Howell (twice), Justin Fields and Taylor Heinicke," Holder noted. "There's no reason to think the Colts couldn't get something for a quarterback who will be just 24 next season and is a former first-round pick." 

What teams could take a flier on Anthony Richardson Sr. this offseason?

Holder also mentioned that the Colts have "warmed to the idea that 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard can ascend to their No. 2 quarterback spot." As for Richardson, history suggests at least one team with no proven long-term QB1 on its roster will take a flier on the prospect who has made just 15 career regular-season starts. 

Specifically, the Cardinals, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons are among the clubs dealing with uncertainty at the quarterback position ahead of the upcoming scouting combine.