Anthony Richardson, selected No. 4 overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft, entered the offseason in a quarterback battle with veteran Daniel Jones. Jones was eventually named the starter, and after lighting up in the Colts’ Week 1 win over the Miami Dolphins, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis is looking increasingly bleak.
Recent rumors suggest the team may try to move the young quarterback, and an NFL insider recently revealed whether or not it makes sense for the Colts to trade Richardson.
Insider Weighs In On Value of Anthony Richardson’s Potential Colts Trade
Jones, who was released by the New York Giants during the 2024 season, signed with Indianapolis this offseason and surprised many by lighting up the Colts’ season opener against Miami.
He completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and accounted for three total touchdowns, one through the air and two on the ground. That performance has fueled speculation about the Colts potentially trading Richardson, who is currently the team’s backup.
While Indianapolis can trade him, Jonathan Jones, an NFL insider for CBS, said he would be very surprised if the Colts moved Richardson during this season.
“In this realm where the Colts want to trade Anthony Richardson, what are you going to get for him?”@jjones9 says the ABSOLUTE MOST the Colts would get for Anthony Richardson is a 4th round selection. pic.twitter.com/rT1H2tgJfq
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 10, 2025
“Well, nothing happens to Anthony Richardson right now,” Jones said. “And I would be very, very surprised if anything happens with Anthony Richardson with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.”
Based on Jones’ performance, it’s understandable why some believe Richardson could be expendable for the Colts. However, Jones explained that the team had invested heavily in Richardson, and (Daniel) Jones’s play against Miami was just a one-game sample.
There is still a chance the veteran quarterback could struggle later this season, forcing the Colts to turn back to Richardson.
In addition, although Richardson was a top-five pick, his injury history, inconsistent play, and overall lack of experience limit his trade value. Based on that, Jones believes the most the Colts could get in return for Richardson is a Day 3 pick.
“First of all, we’re one play away from Anthony Richardson going in and being the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts again,” Jones said. “We all understand that. But in this realm where the Colts want to trade Anthony Richardson, what are you going to get for him? The most, the absolute most you would get is probably a fourth round selection.”
So, despite the rumors of a potential Richardson trade, it’s clear that, for now, Jones thinks it is very unlikely to happen. However, if (Daniel) Jones continues to play at a high level over multiple weeks, the situation could change, and Richardson could become truly expendable by the trade deadline.
Jones has a chance to solidify his status as the Colts’ QB1 in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, with kickoff set for Sunday, Sept. 14, at 4:05 p.m. ET.
