The Indianapolis Colts have an easy decision for QB1 in 2026: Re-sign Daniel Jones. Otherwise, things get messy. Anthony Richardson is entering the final year of his rookie deal (assuming the team doesn't pick up his fifth-year option), and he has yet to be good. Riley Leonard wasn't trusted much in 2025.
The real question for the team shouldn't be who should be the starter, but who should be the backup. Once given a chance to play this season in Week 18 against the Houston Texans, Leonard was quite good. He turned the ball over too much, sure, but he also reeled off some explosive plays against a great defense.
One could argue that Leonard's performance against Houston was as good, if not better, than anything Richardson has ever done. Week 18 may have provided the answer to who should be QB2 next season.
Anthony Richardson might be doomed to be the Indianapolis Colts' QB3 in 2026
ESPN might already be assuming the answer is known. In a recent article about quarterbacks that could be traded or sign with a new team this offseason, Richardson was mentioned. But it was how he was mentioned that is likely most telling.
ESPN Ben Solak wrote, "Richardson is a huge sleeper now - in that the Colts are likely set at QB2 with Riley Leonard behind Jones - and his youth and physical tool kit merit further opportunities and a fresh start on another team."
The italics above are mine, but to confirm what Solak is saying. Richardson isn't just a trade option for general manager Chris Ballard this offseason, but he is probably head coach Shane Steichen's third option at quarterback moving forward. That should be correct, too. Richardson has been a first-round bust, and Leonard flashed good potential in the final game of the season.
If Anthony Richardson is traded, he would need to go to a team that likely doesn't need to count on him as the Week 1 starter. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all a player needs to be better, but AR5 also has a lot to learn to be efficient and consistently good. He will need to find a team where he is a great fit.
That doesn't seem to be with Shane Steichen, even though Steichen is a good offensive coach. His scheme needs a quarterback who can complete passes at a high percentage. That hasn't been Richardson, but it was Jones, and it might be Leonard.
No matter if Anthony Richardson is still with the Indianapolis Colts in 2026 or not, he doesn't need to be QB1 or QB2. He should also be leaving the team in the 2027 offseason at the latest.