Anthony Richardson Sr.’s trade request has gone nowhere as the former No. 4 overall pick asked to be moved in February after Daniel Jones won the starting job and then signed a two-year, $88 million extension in March to cement himself as the Colts’ franchise quarterback.
Indianapolis declined Richardson’s fifth-year option, effectively setting him up as an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season. But with no team willing to offer anything during the draft and general manager Chris Ballard receiving zero calls, the 23-year-old quarterback returned to the team’s voluntary offseason workouts.
Anthony Richardson Sr.’s Preferred Destinations Have All Moved On
For Richardson, that means he will be in Indianapolis this year, behind Jones. The scenario is far from ideal for a player who wanted a fresh start, but he can still make the most of his time with the Colts, and returning to the team for voluntary workouts is a good sign.
“Colts QB Anthony Richardson reported today for voluntary offseason workouts after staying home the past two weeks, per source,” wrote Colts reporter Stephen Holder on X. “With the Colts seemingly no closer to trading him, as he requested, and with no indication they’ll release him, he’s back for the time being. Stay tuned”
“Richardson has had interest in learning from the likes of McVay/Shanahan/LaFleur in new system,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler added. “With Packers signing Tyrod Taylor today, all three of those coaches now have viable QB2 options.”
Richardson has had interest in learning from the likes of McVay/Shanahan/LaFleur in new system. With Packers signing Tyrod Taylor today, all three of those coaches now have viable QB2 options. https://t.co/zkdELtHvMm
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 4, 2026
As Fowler mentioned, all three run quarterback-friendly systems that could help unlock Richardson’s rare physical tools have already addressed their backup quarterback situations.
Sean McVay used the No. 13 pick in the draft on Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Kyle Shanahan already has Mac Jones behind Brock Purdy, and Matt LaFleur signed Tyrod Taylor to back up Jordan Love.
Richardson’s NFL resume is not good, as in 15 career starts, he has completed just 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 72.6 in 2024, ranking 25th among the quarterbacks in the league.
Injuries have plagued every season, from the shoulder surgery that ended his rookie year to the orbital fracture that shelved him in 2025.
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However, the recent paths of quarterbacks like Malik Willis and Sam Darnold show what the right environment can do. Willis turned a backup role in Green Bay into a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Darnold, on the other hand, used his one season under Kevin O’Connell into a three-year, $100.5 million contract, and led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl.
If Kyler Murray struggles in Minnesota, O’Connell’s track record of rehabilitating quarterbacks could make the Vikings a destination for Richardson in 2027 free agency. For now, though, his focus should be on learning as much as he can under Shane Steichen in Indianapolis.
