The Indianapolis Colts didn’t resolve their quarterback situation over draft weekend, and now it’s starting to sting. Anthony Richardson remains on the roster, but the tension is obvious. A trade request, skipped voluntary workouts, and a “soft” market have left both sides stuck.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson’s Exit from the Indianapolis Colts Nears
CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo didn’t hedge when evaluating the situation post-draft.
In his latest piece, where he discussed ten moves that should be made with the NFL Draft complete, DeArdo named Richardson leaving the Colts as one of the must-haves. However, it mightn’t be as easy as it seems.
DeArdo’s explanation was straightforward: “The writing is on the wall regarding Richardson’s eventual departure from Indianapolis. The Colts would obviously prefer to trade Richardson, but that may not happen until a team suffers an injury at quarterback during either minicamp or training camp.
“As far as potential landing spots, Richardson would be a good fit on a team that either has a young starting quarterback or one that has a similar skillset. Two teams that come to mind are the Dolphins (who have Malik Willis at QB1) and Ravens.”
The logic tracks when you look at the production. Richardson’s 2024 season didn’t stabilize his value. He finished No. 25 on PFSN’s NFL QB Impact metrics, posting an 8-12 touchdown-to-interception line.
The moments of ‘elite QB plays’ are still there. The consistency isn’t. Around the league, that profile doesn’t trigger any sort of adrenaline rush, especially when teams just reset their depth charts through the draft.
Still, the intrigue hasn’t disappeared. It’s just shifted toward fit. As DeArdo pointed out, the Ravens and the Dolphins are the logical landing spots. Both teams operate offenses that can absorb a quarterback with Richardson’s athletic profile while insulating his development.
In Baltimore, the schematic overlap is obvious. In Miami, the need for upside behind an unsettled depth chart makes the gamble more palatable.
From Indy’s perspective, they are just trying to manage their leverage over the situation. General manager Chris Ballard made it clear the team isn’t moving Richardson just to clear the room.
“He’s down in Jacksonville training. I have talked to his trainer, and I talk to him often, and his agent. He’s in good spirits. Nothing has transpired at this point. I don’t know any question you’re going to ask other than will he be here? Well, he could be. We’ll see, but as of right now, he’s down there training in Jacksonville. We’ll kind of work through that as we go.”
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The Colts are willing to wait because they understand how quickly quarterback markets shift once injuries hit. A quiet spring can turn into an aggressive July.
For Richardson, the reality is less about talent and more about timing. He’s a 21-touchdown producer [11 passing, 10 rushing] with rare physical tools, but he’s also a projection. Teams aren’t paying for what he could be until they have to. That moment usually comes when depth charts get tested.
