The Indianapolis Colts have yet another offseason with uncertainty at QB. With Daniel Jones hitting free agency (for now), the Colts need to find a starting QB, and the option on the roster is extremely doubtful. Anthony Richardson Sr. has not been what the Colts hoped for after drafting him in 2023, and he could be on his way out.
Anthony Richardson Sr. May Seek a Trade, According to Colts Insider
Daniel Jones had a very good season last year, and it seemed like the former first-round pick had finally found his fit in the NFL, but a horrible Achilles tear late in the season makes bringing him back way less of a guarantee. This was the Colts’ first taste of high-level QB play since maybe Andrew Luck, so even with the injury in mind, they will probably bring him back. Jones finished 5th overall in PFSN’s QB Impact Metric.
If the Colts do bring back Jones, the second-string QB should be Riley Leonard, who showed some great things when forced into the starting spot. That leaves Richardson as the third-string QB, and in a place where he has already dealt with too much turmoil for a young player.
Per Colts insider Stephen Holder, if health is good to go, Richardson could seek a trade this offseason: “Assuming his vision issues are resolved after his freak orbital bone injury, look for him to seek a trade. There has been no request just yet, according to team sources, but it is beginning to feel inevitable.”
A trade makes sense for all parties involved, and Richardson does hit the market. Here is what Holder mentioned about a potential value for the former first-round pick:
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“As for his trade value, the Colts can certainly recoup something. Each of the following quarterbacks was traded for draft-pick compensation in the past two seasons: Kenny Pickett (twice), Sam Howell (twice), Justin Fields and Taylor Heinicke. There’s no reason to think the Colts couldn’t get something for a quarterback who will be just 24 next season and is a former first-round pick.”
Holder listed some great comparisons to Richardson, and at only 23, he should still be a hot commodity for teams looking for high-potential backups who can sit and learn. There is no chance he plays next season, and it would be a mistake to do it.
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Richardson was played way too early with the Colts and needed extensive development. Wherever he goes, that team needs to let him learn and potentially become the next Sam Darnold, Jones, or Malik Willis this past season.
