The Indianapolis Colts looked promising at the start of last season, but quarterback issues hampered the team, possibly costing them a playoff run.
Their starter, Daniel Jones, seemed like a potential MVP candidate through an early portion of the season, but he faltered and then suffered an unfortunate injury, sidelining him for a significant stretch of games. While the team had former draft pick Anthony Richardson as a backup, he was unable to play due to an eye injury he sustained during warmups.
With that, veteran quarterback Philip Rivers opted to unretire after more than 4 years away from the NFL. However, that didn’t pan out and deliver the team to the postseason as some may have hoped.
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Now, it appears the Colts have made a significant decision regarding their backup, Richardson. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe (via sources), Richardson and the team have “mutually agreed to seek a trade.”
Wolfe indicates that the team met with Richardson’s agent this morning to discuss the situation and concluded that it was in the best interests of both sides to explore trade options.
Richardson came into the league as the No. 4 pick for the Colts in 2023 and played in 17 games over the past several seasons. The bulk of those were when he started for the team in 2024 in 11 games, leading them to a 6-5 record.
Richardson’s stats across his three seasons included throwing 177-of-350 completions for 2,400 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was also intercepted 13 times and sacked 21 times in his 17 games for the Colts.
The promising young quarterback out of Florida was initially the team’s backup for Jones this past season, but went on injured reserve in mid-October after fracturing his orbital bone in his eye during pregame warmups.
With the Colts now exploring trades, it seems like Richardson should get a fresh start with another franchise that may need his services in the coming season.
Among the teams rumored to be landing spots for Richardson are the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and Minnesota Vikings. The latter of these teams reportedly has a “mutual interest” in Richardson joining their roster as a potential competitor for J.J. McCarthy under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers may be in the mix, as they’re still seeing what happens next with veteran Aaron Rodgers and their overall quarterback situation.
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