No Fifth-Year Option for Colts’ QB Anthony Richardson Sr.
The Colts are moving toward Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard after Richardson posted 11 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 50.6% completion rate.
- On Friday, the Indianapolis Colts officially declined the fifth-year option on quarterback Anthony Richardson's rookie contract, ensuring his deal expires following the 2026 season.
- Richardson struggled with inconsistency and injuries over three seasons, completing 50.6% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, including a 2025 orbital fracture from a pregame warmup incident.
- Market conditions remained "soft," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported throughout the 2026 NFL Draft, while Colts general manager Chris Ballard acknowledged the lack of suitors, stating he would "let it play out."
- Riley Leonard will serve as the primary backup to Daniel Jones, who signed a two-year deal averaging $44M and is positioned as the Colts' signal-caller of the future.
- At just 23-years old, Richardson could serve as a reclamation project for another team, though Indianapolis will forgo his guaranteed $22.483M salary for 2027, effectively ending his time with the franchise.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Report: Colts decline Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Colts declined to pick up the fifth-year option for quarterback Anthony Richardson, per a report from ESPN. Richardson, who the Colts drafted No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, will now become an unrestricted from agent after the 2026 season. Richardson started 15 games for the Colts in 2023 and 2024. He has thrown for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in his career in Indianapolis. Richardson has reque…
Report: Colts decline Anthony Richardson’s fifth-year option
The Colts declined to pick up the fifth-year option for quarterback Anthony Richardson, per a report from ESPN.Richardson, who the Colts drafted No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, will now become an unrestricted from agent after the 2026 season.Richardson started 15 games for the Colts in 2023 and 2024. He has thrown for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in his career in Indianapolis.Richardson has requested a trade and accordin…
Colts won’t pick up Anthony Richardson’s fifth-year option as trade questions loom
Don't expect Anthony Richardson's time with the Colts to continue for much longer. The Colts will not be exercising the fifth-year option on Richardson's rookie contract, Fox 59 reported Thursday.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
