Full Breakdown
Colts Decline Fifth-Year Option on QB Anthony Richardson, Leaving Future Uncertain
5/2/2026, 5:56:57 AM
Decision on the Fifth-Year Option
The Indianapolis Colts announced they will not exercise the fifth-year option on quarterback Anthony Richardson’s rookie contract, finalizing the move by the May 1 deadline. The option would have guaranteed Richardson $22.483 million for the 2027 season. By declining, the team leaves him under contract through 2026 and makes him an unrestricted free agent thereafter, unless a trade or new deal is reached.
Draft Expectations and Early Career
Richardson entered the NFL as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft out of the University of Florida. The franchise initially positioned him as its long-term quarterback solution, naming him starter early in his rookie training camp. Over three seasons he has started 15 games, posting an 8-7 record.
Performance and Health Overview
Across his tenure, Richardson has accumulated 2,400 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Sources differ on his completion rate—some report 50.6 % (ESPN, NBC Sports) while others list 47.7 % (Sports Illustrated). He has added 634 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Injuries have limited his availability: a grade-3 AC-joint sprain, oblique and back issues, and a pre-game warm-up accident that caused an orbital fracture in October 2025, sidelining him for the remainder of that season.
Official Statements from Colts Management
General Manager Chris Ballard said he “hadn’t given too much thought” to the option before the deadline, emphasizing the financial commitment it represented. He noted that “there’s definitely a scenario there” for Richardson to remain with Indianapolis, describing him as “a good dude, and he’s talented.” Ballard also confirmed that Richardson has been cleared for activity but is “still recovering a little bit,” and that trade discussions have produced “some calls, but nothing’s come to fruition at this time.”
Criticism and Opposition
Analysts and fans have characterized the decision as “inevitable,” citing Richardson’s inconsistent play and sub-Mendoza-line statistics. One commentator highlighted a benching incident where Richardson voluntarily left the field, calling his performance “below expectations.” The market for a trade has been described as “soft,” with few teams willing to assume his sizable contract and injury history.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The primary discrepancy among sources concerns Richardson’s completion percentage—reported as either 50.6 % or 47.7 %. Additionally, while the Colts have expressed openness to a trade, no concrete offers have emerged, leaving a gap in understanding why interest remains limited.
What Lies Ahead
Richardson will enter the 2026 season as a potential backup to Daniel Jones or third-string behind rookie Riley Leonard, unless the Colts release him. If he reaches free agency, teams may view him as a reclamation project, given his physical upside and draft pedigree, though his injury record and performance inconsistencies pose significant considerations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There's definitely a scenario there,” — Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts
- “He's a good dude, and he's talented.” — Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts
- “We've had some calls, but nothing's come to fruition at this time,” — Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts
- “still recovering a little bit” — Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts
- “I still think Anthony [Richardson] has real value in this league, and I've been happy with his growth,” — Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts
- “He's an extremely talented young man.” — Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts
