Full Breakdown
Anthony Richardson Returns to Colts Workouts Amid Trade Request
5/5/2026, 2:34:53 AM
Core Event
Quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., the Colts’ 2023 No. 4 overall pick, reported to the team’s offseason workouts on Monday after missing the first two weeks. The Colts declined his fifth-year option, which would have guaranteed a $22 million salary for 2027, leaving him a free agent after 2026, and his February trade request remains unfilled.
Background & Context
Richardson entered the NFL after a stint at University of Florida, where he started 13 games. In Indianapolis he logged 15 starts in his two seasons, completing 50.6 % of passes for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, and added 634 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns. Injuries limited his availability; a pre-game accident in October 2024 caused a fractured orbital bone; he missed 17 games in 2023-24. Daniel Jones reclaimed the starting role in the 2025 preseason, signing a two-year, $88 million extension; Richardson was granted permission to seek a trade.
Impact
Richardson’s status shapes the Colts’ quarterback depth chart. With Jones rehabbing a torn Achilles, Riley Leonard (a 2025 sixth-round pick) and Seth Henigan are potential backups. Retaining Richardson preserves a $10.8 million cap hit but offers limited on-field upside; releasing or trading him could free resources for additional quarterback options. The situation also affects team culture, with GM Chris Ballard praising Richardson’s professionalism.
Official Statements & Responses
GM Chris Ballard indicated that Richardson remains under contract and that the Colts will continue to address his situation. He described Richardson as having value for the league and as a young player still developing. Ballard also said that retaining Richardson is a viable option while team monitors Jones’s health and the backup hierarchy. No plan to waive or trade him has been announced.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts say Richardson’s development is “not on a Cam Newton trajectory,” citing his low completion rate and turnover ratio. ESPN called him a “raw prospect” who “has struggled with performance and injuries.” The soft trade market and lack of substantive offers raise doubts about his on-field value.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some sources suggest Richardson could vie for the backup role behind Jones, while others list him as third-string behind Leonard. His vision recovery timeline after the orbital fracture remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Colts QB Anthony Richardson reported today for voluntary offseason workouts after staying home the past two weeks, per source.” — Stephen Holder, ESPN reporter
- “Here's the one thing that's been fun to watch with Anthony in the last year. He's a great teammate. He's a good guy, a good person. He cares about the team, and that's important to him,” — Chris Ballard, Colts GM
- “I see a future (for Richardson in the NFL),” — Chris Ballard
- “Nothing surprises me anymore,” — Chris Ballard
What's Next
The Colts’ mandatory minicamp runs June 9-11, followed by organized OTAs later in May. Those sessions will clarify Richardson’s depth-chart position and may spark renewed trade talks before the 2026 deadline.
