The Anthony Richardson era in Indianapolis appears to be on life support. In a significant move reported by ESPN's Stephen Holder, the Colts have granted the young quarterback permission to seek a trade, signaling a dramatic shift for a player once viewed as the franchise's future cornerstone.
A Promising Start Derailed by Setbacks
Selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson arrived with immense physical tools and raw potential that tantalized scouts. His rookie debut offered a glimpse of that promise, showcasing dual-threat ability. However, a season-ending injury in October of that year began a frustrating cycle of physical setbacks that would define his Colts career.
"The Indianapolis Colts have given quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. permission to seek a trade, a league source told ESPN," Holder reported. The insider directly linked the decision to Richardson's struggles with health and performance, noting he was "beaten out by veteran Daniel Jones in a preseason quarterback battle last season."
The Statistical Reality
The numbers paint a stark picture of unfulfilled potential. Over three seasons, Richardson has missed more games than he has played. While he showed flashes as a rookie, his passing efficiency plummeted, culminating in a completion percentage below 50% in 2024. By the 2025 season, his role had diminished to near non-existence, taking a mere 14 snaps as Jones solidified himself as the starter.
This trajectory represents a stunning fall for a player in whom the Colts invested significant draft capital. The organization effectively "pushed their chips into the middle of the table" with the high selection, betting on his unique athleticism and clutch playmaking ability seen at the University of Florida.
What's Next for Richardson?
With Jones slated to be re-signed as the unquestioned starter, Richardson now faces a critical crossroads. The permission to seek a trade is the first official step toward an exit, but it raises major questions about his NFL future. Can he find a new team willing to bet on a rehabilitation of both his body and his mechanics? Or will his career fade before he even reaches his mid-20s?
The coming weeks will be crucial. The NFL Scouting Combine, where this news broke, is a hub for team executives, making it the perfect backdrop for trade discussions. Richardson's fate now hinges on whether another franchise sees a reclamation project worth the risk or if his time as a starting-caliber quarterback has already passed.
For the Colts, this move closes a costly chapter. It's an admission that their bold gamble did not pay off, forcing them back to the drawing board in their perpetual search for stability under center. For Anthony Richardson, it's a search for a second chance—an opportunity to prove the talent that made him a top-five pick still exists beneath the layers of rust and injury.
