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Colts Grant Richardson Trade Request, Keep Him Through 2026

5/5/2026

Summary

Richardson Trade Request

The Indianapolis Colts gave quarterback Anthony Richardson a trade request and declined his fifth-year option, retaining him through 2026.
Richardson, the No. 4 pick in 2023, posted 2,400 yards, 11 TDs, 13 INTs and a 50.6% completion rate in 15 starts.
After an orbital fracture gave the job to Daniel Jones—who tore his Achilles in December and earned a March extension—Richardson reported to workouts, but his Week 1 start chance is small.

Summary

Richardson Workouts

The Colts’ voluntary offseason workouts started on May 4, with quarterback Anthony Richardson arriving after a two-week absence.
Richardson trained in Jacksonville while GM Chris Ballard remained in contact with his trainer and agent.
Phase II rules permit on-field drills but ban contact and team-period activities during voluntary sessions.
The mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 9-11.
Analysts describe Richardson’s trade market as soft and hope he joins a McVay-Shanahan-LaFleur-style team.

Summary

Colts Assess Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts have $25 million in cap space in May 2026, with quarterback Anthony Richardson’s 2026 salary counting $10.8 million against it.
General manager Chris Ballard said the team has not used any of its eight draft picks on a quarterback this offseason while veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II, a three-time Walter Payton May-of-the-Year nominee, requested a trade.
Ballard added the club is exercising patience as it evaluates Richardson, noting nothing surprises him.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 the NFL added the franchise tag, allowing each club to bind an unrestricted free agent to a one-year deal worth at least the average of the five highest salaries at his position or 120 % of his prior salary. The Indianapolis Colts, like other clubs, can apply the tag, and today GM Chris Ballard faces a similar cap-management dilemma with quarterback Anthony Richardson’s trade request.

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Richardson Trade Request

The Indianapolis Colts gave quarterback Anthony Richardson a trade request and declined his fifth-year option, retaining him through 2026.
Richardson, the No. 4 pick in 2023, posted 2,400 yards, 11 TDs, 13 INTs and a 50.6% completion rate in 15 starts.
After an orbital fracture gave the job to Daniel Jones—who tore his Achilles in December and earned a March extension—Richardson reported to workouts, but his Week 1 start chance is small.

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