The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Anthony Richardson appear to be heading towards a breakup.
According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, Richardson is expected to request a trade out of Indianapolis in the near future. Though the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft hasn’t made a formal trade demand yet, it’s likely coming soon.
“Assuming his vision issues are resolved after his freak orbital bone injury, look for him [Richardson] to seek a trade. There has been no request just yet, according to team sources, but it is beginning to feel inevitable,” Holder said.
Richardson barely played in 2025 due to an eye injury, and with Daniel Jones taking the keys as the Colts’ starting quarterback for the future, the Florida product’s days with the franchise are numbered.
Though Richardson has struggled with injuries in his career and hasn’t been great when on the field, he has shown enough flashes as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback for a team to take a flyer on him.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets will all be in the quarterback market this offseason, and could be potential suitors for Richardson in a trade.
Aaron Rodgers is expected to return as the Steelers’ starting signal-caller in 2026, but the franchise could also trade for Richardson to serve as a developmental project and backup to the future Hall of Famer.
Minnesota will be looking for veteran competition for J.J. McCarthy, but the team could ditch that plan and instead acquire Richardson to push McCarthy in training camp.
Finally, the Jets are set to have a new starter once again after the Justin Fields’ experiment failed. Richardson could be an option for New York, though it would be wise for general manager Darren Mougey to also bring in an experienced signal-caller along with the 23-year-old.
Overall, Richardson could revitalize his career with a change of scenery, and the Steelers, Jets, and Vikings feel like logical landing spots for the young quarterback.
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