According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, league insiders increasingly believe Anthony Richardson is expected to request a trade this offseason as the Colts move forward with Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback. Holder notes that while no formal request has been made, the situation is “beginning to feel inevitable.”
The Colts’ quarterback room has shifted dramatically over the past year. Jones took over the starting job and delivered enough stability that the organization appears committed to him as the long‑term option. That leaves Richardson, once viewed as the franchise’s future, stuck in limbo.
Injuries Complicated Richardson’s Path Back
The turning point came last season when Richardson suffered a freak orbital bone injury during pre‑game warmups in October. The setback left him with lingering vision issues, and although he returned to practice late in the year, the Colts acknowledged he still had limitations.
By the time he was healthy enough to compete, Jones had already seized the job. The Colts’ coaching staff and front office have been open about their desire to bring Jones back, even if it requires the franchise tag. That clarity leaves little room for Richardson to reclaim the role he once held.
Why a Trade Makes Sense For Both Sides
From the Colts’ perspective, the move is practical. They have a starter in Jones and a young backup in Riley Leonard, who impressed enough to earn the QB2 role. That leaves Richardson without a spot.
For Richardson, a fresh start may be the only path to meaningful playing time. His physical tools remain intriguing, and several teams around the league could view him as a reclamation project with upside. After missing all of 2025 and losing his grip on the job before that, staying in Indianapolis offers little opportunity to reset his career trajectory.
What Comes Next
Nothing is official yet, but the writing is on the wall. If Richardson resolves his vision issues and enters the offseason healthy, the expectation around the league is that he will seek a move to a team willing to give him a real shot at competing for a starting job. The Colts, meanwhile, appear prepared to accommodate that outcome.
The situation hasn’t reached the point of a formal trade request, but the momentum is unmistakable. As Holder put it, the decision “is beginning to feel inevitable.”
