Colts' Anthony Richardson Sr. Faces Uncertain Future After Struggles

Former 4th overall pick could be on the trade block after disappointing start to NFL career

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback's throwing motion broken down into overlapping planes of navy, green and orange, conveying the complexities of transitioning from college to the professional game.The Colts' failed experiment with Anthony Richardson Sr. exposes the challenges of developing a raw, inexperienced quarterback prospect in the modern NFL.Indianapolis Today

The Indianapolis Colts are expected to move on from quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. after he struggled mightily in his first two NFL seasons. The Colts drafted Richardson 4th overall in 2023 despite his limited college experience, and he has since battled injuries and failed to grasp the pro game. With the Colts signing Daniel Jones to a lucrative deal, Richardson's time in Indianapolis appears to be coming to an end.

Why it matters

Richardson was viewed as a high-upside prospect with his combination of size, arm strength and athleticism, but his inability to translate those physical tools into on-field production has been a major disappointment for the Colts. His struggles raise questions about the team's evaluation process and whether they rushed him into action before he was ready. Richardson's future in the NFL is now uncertain as he looks for a 'fresh start' elsewhere.

The details

Richardson played in only 4 games as a rookie in 2023 due to an AC joint sprain, and then started 11 games in 2024 but was 'awful' according to former Colts center A.Q. Shipley. Richardson also missed 6 games that season due to more injuries, leading the Colts to turn to veteran Joe Flacco. In one telling 2025 preseason play, Richardson failed to identify a free rusher, leading to an injury that allowed Daniel Jones to take over the starting job.

  • Richardson was drafted 4th overall by the Colts in 2023.
  • He played in only 4 games as a rookie in 2023 due to an AC joint sprain.
  • Richardson started 11 games for the Colts in 2024 but struggled mightily.
  • In the 2025 preseason, Richardson was injured on a play where he failed to identify a free rusher.

The players

Anthony Richardson Sr.

The Colts' former 4th overall pick in 2023 who has struggled with injuries and failed to develop as an NFL quarterback in his first two seasons.

A.Q. Shipley

A former Colts center and Super Bowl champion who provided honest analysis of Richardson's struggles.

Daniel Jones

The quarterback the Colts recently signed to a two-year, $88 million deal, pushing Richardson out of the starting role.

Shane Steichen

The Colts' head coach who has been tasked with developing Richardson but has been unable to get the young QB on track.

Joe Flacco

The veteran quarterback who started 6 games for the Colts in 2024 while Richardson was injured.

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What they’re saying

“It's time for a fresh start. They gave him the keys. It didn't work. It was one of those classic 'He's got a huge arm, great size and he runs well.' That's one-tenth of the puzzle. And now you've benched him and brought in Daniel Jones. You're a lame duck sitting there. He could definitely use a refresh.”

— A.Q. Shipley, Former Colts center

“I don't really believe in potential, especially when you're 22 years old. There's not much more room to grow. You can understand the game better, which will make you better, but you've got to have 8 out of 10 boxes checked at that point.”

— A.Q. Shipley, Former Colts center

“Maybe backup is his world. I've watched backups play 14 years and live a great life. But if you're a backup, you've got to bring a different skillset. That's on the board, that's being a mentor, helping the (starter) by writing reports. You've got to find your niche. Jameis (Winston) has done a great job of transitioning into that world. It's OK. Everybody doesn't need to be the guy.”

— A.Q. Shipley, Former Colts center

What’s next

The Colts will have to decide by May 1st whether to pick up Richardson's fifth-year option, which they are likely to decline given his struggles. Indianapolis will then look to trade Richardson to another team that may be able to get more out of the former top draft pick.

The takeaway

Richardson's time in Indianapolis has been a major disappointment, as the Colts rushed the inexperienced and injury-prone quarterback into action before he was ready. His inability to grasp the pro game and make basic adjustments has left the team with little choice but to move on, raising questions about the team's evaluation process and whether Richardson can salvage his NFL career elsewhere.