Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson may be on the move as the 2026 season approaches. The buzz around the league suggests that the Colts are ready to part ways with the 23-year-old, making a trade seem inevitable.
NFL insider Aaron Schatz has weighed in, noting that a fresh start might be just what Richardson needs. His early years in Indianapolis have been rocky, with a QBR of 45.0 as a rookie in 2023, followed by a slight improvement to 47.4 in 2024. Last season was even tougher, as Richardson was sidelined first by the decision to start Daniel Jones and then by a freak injury-a fractured orbital bone from a pregame mishap in October.
The Colts had hoped that head coach Shane Steichen could tailor an offense around Richardson's talents, but things haven’t panned out. A change in coaching might unlock his potential elsewhere.
Richardson's journey with the Colts has been anything but smooth. Drafted from Florida after just 24 college games, the Colts took a gamble on his high ceiling.
But three years in, both Richardson and the team have faced challenges. Daniel Jones emerged as a key player in 2025, only to be sidelined by a torn Achilles.
When Jones went down, it seemed like Richardson's moment to step up. Unfortunately, his injury kept him off the field, leading the Colts to turn to veteran Philip Rivers.
As we look to the 2026 offseason, the timing seems right for the Colts to explore trading Richardson. ESPN’s Stephen Holder suggests that the Colts could still secure a solid return for the young quarterback, given his age and first-round pedigree. The market for a talented, albeit unproven, quarterback like Richardson could be promising, offering both him and the Colts a chance to reset.