The Anthony Richardson era in Indianapolis appears to be over before it ever truly began. After just 17 games across three seasons, the Colts have reportedly made the former fourth overall pick available for trade, signaling a stunningly quick pivot from a player once viewed as a franchise cornerstone.
A Quarterback in Search of a New Home
Richardson's tenure with the Colts has been defined more by unfulfilled potential and injury than by on-field success. The organization's decision to explore trade options suggests they are ready to cut their losses and move in a different direction at the sport's most important position. For Richardson, the focus now shifts to finding a new team willing to bet on his raw physical tools.
According to a report from FOX Sports' Henry McKenna, Richardson's camp has a specific vision for his next chapter. His agents have indicated the quarterback would be "open" to joining the Kansas City Chiefs or the Baltimore Ravens. The intriguing caveat? He would arrive as a backup, learning behind established superstars Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson.
The Quest for the "Right Fit"
McKenna's report, sourced from conversations with both of Richardson's representatives, reveals a player and team prioritizing development over immediate opportunity. "When I spoke to both of AR's agents, they seemed relieved to have some freedom for his future," McKenna wrote. "Would they love to have him start somewhere? Sure. But they emphasized they were looking for the right fit."
The ideal scenario, per the report, would see Richardson land in a stable environment where he could develop without pressure, with an eye toward competing for a starting job by the 2026 season. This represents a significant recalibration of expectations for a player drafted with the expectation of immediate impact.
Is the Interest Mutual?
While Richardson's side may have preferences, the critical question remains: do the Chiefs or Ravens have any interest? The current roster constructions of both AFC powerhouses suggest a deal is a long shot. Baltimore appears satisfied with Tyler Huntley as Jackson's primary backup, a role in which he won two games last season. Kansas City, under Andy Reid, has historically not invested heavily in backup quarterbacks, preferring to allocate resources elsewhere while Mahomes shoulders the load.
Beyond fit, Richardson must overcome the perception created by his underwhelming NFL resume. The statistics are stark: a career completion percentage barely above 50%, only two games surpassing 200 passing yards, and a general lack of the dynamic playmaking that made him a college star at Florida. For potential suitors, he currently represents a high-risk, high-reward project.
A Reality Check for the Young QB
The cold reality of the NFL marketplace may force a shift in priorities. At this juncture, the primary objective for Richardson might not be choosing between championship contenders, but simply securing a spot on any team's 53-man roster for the 2026 season. His draft pedigree offers a glimmer of hope, but his production to date does little to inspire a bidding war.
The coming weeks will test the market for a quarterback with elite athleticism but unproven passing chops. Will a team see a diamond in the rough, a player who simply needs the right coaching and situation to flourish? Or will the Colts struggle to find a trade partner willing to take a chance? One thing is clear: Anthony Richardson's NFL journey is taking an unexpected detour, and his next stop is anyone's guess.
