Colts' Richardson Likely Seeking Trade After Three Seasons

Backup QB's future in Indianapolis seen as 'inevitable' after losing starting job to Daniel Jones

Feb. 19, 2026 at 7:39am

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After three injury-plagued seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, former first-round pick Anthony Richardson is expected to seek a trade ahead of the 2026 NFL season. With the Colts firmly committed to starting quarterback Daniel Jones, the 24-year-old Richardson has fallen down the depth chart and is viewed as the odd man out in Indianapolis.

Why it matters

Richardson's struggles and the Colts' decision to move forward with Jones raises questions about the former Florida standout's future in the league. As a former first-round pick, Richardson's trade value will be closely watched, with several young QBs fetching draft capital in recent seasons.

The details

Richardson, the Colts' 2023 first-round selection, has played in just 17 games over his first three NFL seasons due to various injuries. After losing the preseason QB battle to Jones last year, Richardson was further sidelined by a freak orbital fracture. With Jones leading the Colts to an 8-5 record before his season-ending injury, and 2025 sixth-rounder Riley Leonard impressing the coaching staff, Richardson's path to playing time in Indianapolis has become increasingly clouded.

  • Richardson was the Colts' first-round pick in 2023.
  • In 2025, Richardson's rookie season was cut short after 4 games due to a shoulder injury.
  • In 2026, Richardson started 11 games in his second season but drew criticism from teammates for pulling himself out of a game against the Texans.

The players

Anthony Richardson

A 24-year-old quarterback who was the Colts' first-round pick in 2023 but has struggled with injuries and playing time in his first three NFL seasons.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback who won the preseason position battle in 2025 and led the team to an 8-5 record before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury.

Riley Leonard

A 2025 sixth-round pick by the Colts who impressed the coaching staff during practice and in the regular-season finale, further complicating Richardson's future in Indianapolis.

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What they’re saying

“There has been no request just yet, according to team sources, but it is beginning to feel inevitable.”

— Stephen Holder, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Colts will likely explore trade options for Richardson this offseason as they reaffirm their commitment to Daniel Jones as the team's starting quarterback going forward.

The takeaway

Richardson's struggles in Indianapolis highlight the challenges young quarterbacks can face when they fail to secure a starting job, even as a high draft pick. His potential trade could test the market value for promising but unproven signal-callers as teams look to add depth and competition at the game's most important position.