It's been more than a month since the Indianapolis Colts and Anthony Richardson reached an agreement on their best path forward regarding a trade. Yet, the three-year quarterback remains with the Colts, and the situation hasn't produced any real answers to date.
The Colts' quarterback room appears set going into next year with Daniel Jones returning and Riley Leonard backing him up. Although, should the Colts not find a trade partner for Richardson, there is a small chance he will compete with Leonard during training camp.
That said, it is within both the Colts' and Richardson's best interest for a separation; the Colts don't need him, and he needs a new life somewhere else. So, if a trade has yet to materialize, what are the Colts waiting for? Perhaps, they're waiting for the NFL Draft to arrive, which could be the perfect timing for a trade to come around.
Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option a key factor in the Indianapolis Colts' making a draft-time trade
It's not that the Colts aren't trying to move Richardson; more likely, league interest simply isn't there right now. Aside from his skill set and high potential, Richardson's track record on the field is short, and the limited time he has played under center hasn't produced much quality film.
Injuries have also interrupted Richardson's growth, but the mental side could be a red flag for many teams. A combination of those elements has played a role in the dreadful numbers Richardson has posted in the 17 games he's played for the Colts.
Since his rookie season in 2023, Richardson's 50.6 completion percentage tells all, and the rest of his numbers don't help, either: 11 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, 12 fumbles, and a measly 67.8 passer rating. The turnovers have killed Richardson, and it's almost impossible for constant slip-ups like turnovers not to affect confidence and the mental side of being a quarterback.
His time in Indianapolis is on the clock, and while no trade has occurred yet, the best time to move Richardson might actually be during the draft. Considering his fifth-year option, if the Colts are going to trade Richardson, they'd best do it before May 1st, and the draft takes place well before that, from April 23–25.
If the Colts don't make a trade by May 1st, that will complicate things as the offseason progresses, unless they decide to offer Richardson one final opportunity to make a comeback during training camp and the preseason.
If that's the case, Richardson will battle Leonard for the Colts' No. 2 and No. 3 spots on the quarterback depth chart. That said, at this point, it makes perfect sense why the Colts are hoping and expecting Leonard to enter next season as the No. 2 quarterback.
The market for Richardson continues to run cold, but at this point, maybe the best move for the Colts is not to look for the biggest return. Instead, get what they can for Richardson during the draft, come to terms with it, and move on. The likelihood that Richardson gets dealt by May 1st is much higher than him suiting back up for the Colts next season, and that's how it should be.
The draft will address many unanswered questions in Indianapolis regarding the various needs they have to fill, and Richardson should be included among those questions.
Add us as a preferred source on Google