With Daniel Jones now commanding an $88M extension, the former top-five pick is looking for a way out. Yankee Scores breaks down the injuries, the trade request, and what’s next for the dual-threat QB.
The Colts will not pick up the fifth-year team option on quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr’s rookie contract for the 2027 season, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Friday was the deadline for NFL teams to exercise the fifth-year options on 2023 first-round selections. With the Colts declining to do so, as expected, Richardson, the fourth pick in 2023, will hit unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season. Exercising Richardson’s option would have come with a guaranteed salary of more than $22 million.
Daniel Jones Extension vs. Anthony Richardson
The decision adds uncertainty to Richardson’s future with the club.
Richardson was named the starting quarterback after just two weeks of his first training camp. In February, Richardson asked for a trade, and he was allowed to talk to other teams regarding a possible trade.
Even though there have been no negotiations that would see him join another team yet, Richardson’s future with the Colts is still uncertain for the 2026 season. Richardson would like to play somewhere else because the Colts signed their new quarterback Daniel Jones on a two-year, $88 million contract last month.
He has not attended voluntary offseason workouts.
Richardson May Remain
General manager Chris Ballard recently pointed out that it’s possible Richardson remains with the team.
“There’s definitely a scenario there,” Ballard said in March. “He’s a good dude, and he’s talented. I still want good for Anthony. I still think he’s got a lot in him.”
Struggles and Injuries
Richardson, a raw prospect who started just 13 games at the University of Florida, has struggled with performance and injuries in his short Colts tenure. He missed 17 games because of injuries during his stint as the starter in 2023-24, then spent most of last season on injured reserve after an accident during pregame warmups left him with an orbital fracture.
In 17 appearances over three seasons, Richardson has completed 50.6% of his attempts with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Fox59 in Indianapolis was first to report the Colts would not pick up Richardson’s option.
