Colts decline Richardson option, grant trade permission
Colts decline Richardson's option and permit trade as team moves forward with Daniel Jones.
Event / Sports
Indianapolis Colts Anthony Richardson
The Indianapolis Colts declined Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option worth over $22 million, making him a 2027 free agent. Richardson, who has started only 15 games in three NFL seasons, reported to voluntary offseason workouts after a two-week absence following his February trade request.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 May, 03:06 UTC
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What happened
Anthony Richardson's NFL performance record through three seasons
In 17 career appearances over three NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 50.6% of his pass attempts for 2,400 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also rushed for 634 yards with 10 touchdowns. Richardson started only 15 games in his first two seasons, with injuries limiting his availability.
Anthony Richardson reports to Colts voluntary offseason workouts
Quarterback Anthony Richardson reported to the Indianapolis Colts' voluntary offseason workouts on Monday after staying away for the previous two weeks. Richardson had been absent from offseason activities while seeking a trade from the team.
Indianapolis Colts decline Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option
The Indianapolis Colts declined to exercise quarterback Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option by the NFL deadline on Friday. Exercising the option would have guaranteed Richardson a salary of over $22 million in 2027. With the option declined, Richardson will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season.
Daniel Jones signed as Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback
The Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract extension in March 2026 to be the team's starting quarterback. Jones previously beat out Anthony Richardson for the starting position during the 2025 training camp.
Anthony Richardson granted permission to seek trade from Colts
The Indianapolis Colts granted quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to pursue a trade in February. Richardson requested the trade after Daniel Jones was signed to a two-year, $88 million extension to be the team's starting quarterback. No trade deals have materialized for Richardson as of May 2026.
Anthony Richardson injured with orbital fracture during pregame warmups
Quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered a fractured orbital bone in his eye during a freak accident in pregame warmups in October 2025. The injury resulted in Richardson spending most of the following season on injured reserve.
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