Anthony Richardson’s NFL Future in Limbo as Trade Chatter Heats Up
Anthony Richardson entered the league with the kind of hype that doesn’t come around often. A quarterback with a rare blend of size, speed, and arm strength, he drew early comparisons to Cam Newton - and not just because of the physical tools.
Like Newton, Richardson brought a dynamic presence to the position that had scouts buzzing about his ceiling. But heading into the 2026 offseason, that ceiling feels a lot more hypothetical than it did on draft night.
After a rookie season that offered flashes of promise, Richardson’s trajectory has been derailed by injuries and inconsistency. He struggled to stay on the field in Year 1, and his 2024 campaign was, by all accounts, a tough watch.
The result? He lost the starting job to Daniel Jones heading into this past season.
Now, even with Jones recovering from a torn Achilles and set to hit free agency, Richardson's path back to relevance in Indianapolis is far from clear. In fact, he’s now being floated as one of the league’s top trade candidates this offseason - a reflection of how quickly things can shift in the NFL.
Raw Talent, Limited Production
Richardson’s college résumé at Florida was always a mixed bag. The physical traits were off the charts - 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, explosive as a runner, and capable of launching the ball downfield with ease.
But the passing efficiency never quite matched the tools. He completed just 54.7% of his passes over three seasons, throwing 24 touchdowns against 15 interceptions.
On the ground, he was electric, piling up over 1,100 rushing yards and 12 scores in just 24 games.
That raw profile followed him into the pros. And while the Colts hoped to mold him into a franchise cornerstone, the early returns haven’t been what they envisioned.
Richardson’s completion percentage in 2024 dipped below 50%, and across his NFL career so far, he’s sitting at just 50.6%. That’s a tough number to work around in today’s league, where efficiency is king.
What’s Next for Indy - and Richardson?
The Colts are in a tricky spot. On one hand, they invested in Richardson with the idea that he could become a long-term answer at quarterback.
On the other, they now have a 23-year-old signal-caller who’s struggled to develop as a passer and hasn’t proven he can stay healthy. And with Daniel Jones rehabbing a major injury, Indianapolis will need to evaluate its depth chart carefully this offseason.
There’s still a chance the Colts keep Richardson around as a developmental backup - especially if they’re not fully sold on Jones returning to form. But with his club option for 2027 looming, the front office may decide it’s time to cut bait and get what they can while there’s still some value on the table.
That value, however, might not be high. Given Richardson’s struggles, any trade return is likely to be modest - think a third-round pick at best from a quarterback-needy team or a franchise willing to take a shot on a high-upside project. He’s the kind of player who could benefit from a fresh start, perhaps in a system designed to maximize his strengths while giving him time to refine his game.
A Familiar NFL Storyline
We’ve seen this before - a highly touted first-round quarterback who doesn’t quite click in his first stop but still carries enough intrigue to warrant a second chance elsewhere. The league is full of teams looking for the next reclamation project under center, and Richardson fits the mold: physically gifted, still young, and with just enough flashes on tape to make you wonder “what if?”
The question now is whether the Colts are ready to move on or if they still believe there’s something worth salvaging. Either way, Anthony Richardson’s name is one to watch as the offseason unfolds. His next chapter might not be in Indianapolis - but it’s far from over.