Feb. 10, 2026, 11:01 a.m. ET
Not surprisingly, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was brought up as a potential trade candidate recently.
ESPN’s Ben Solak recently went through every quarterback that could potentially end up playing elsewhere in 2026. Headlining this list were Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa.
But also highlighted was Richardson.
“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,” Solak wrote.
Daniel Jones is set to be a free agent, but Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen have made it known that they want Jones back. Jones has also expressed his desire to return to Indianapolis.
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So, assuming that happens, there really isn’t much of a path for Richardson to work his way back into being the Colts’ long-term option at quarterback.
In addition to that, Riley Leonard showcased that he can be a capable backup.
That only gives the Colts more of an incentive to move on from Richardson.
Richardson is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2026. Later this offseason, the Colts have to decide whether to pick up or decline his fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
At this point, with the first and second spots at the quarterback position seemingly set for the Colts, moving on and getting some sort of compensation in return for Richardson may be the prudent move for Indianapolis.