Why Anthony Richardson's future with Colts has become complicated

"The biggest quarterback decision facing the Indianapolis Colts in 2026 has already been made. The team has concluded that re-signing Daniel Jones and leaning on him as their starting quarterback -- despite the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in early December -- is the best course of action. Additionally, there is growing belief that Riley Leonard has shown enough coming off of his rookie year to be a No. 2 quarterback based on his performance in practice and in his lone start against the Houston Texans in the season finale. All of which brings us to the matter of 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. and his future -- to the extent he has one in Indianapolis."

"After his temporary benching in 2024, and given last season's decision to start Jones after a preseason position battle, Richardson's path forward with the Colts is as complicated as ever. There has been no trade request made from Richardson, sources told ESPN, but multiple sources have called into question whether there is a way forward for Richardson in Indianapolis. Richardson played just five snaps in 2025, ending the season on injured reserve following a freak pregame warmup accident that left him with a fractured orbital bone and an eye injury. Publicly, the Colts' brass has remained neutral on what lies ahead for Richardson. That makes him the only quarterback on the roster to whom they've made no commitment. Asked last month whether it was time for a split, general manager Chris Ballard conceded, "That's a very fair question." He did not offer a specific answer, saying, "We'll kind of see going forward how that ends up playing out." Coach Shane Steichen has taken a similar approach."

The Indianapolis Colts concluded re-signing Daniel Jones and will lean on him as their starting quarterback despite his torn Achilles suffered in early December. Riley Leonard has shown enough in practice and in his lone start to be considered a No. 2 quarterback. Anthony Richardson's path in Indianapolis is uncertain after a temporary benching in 2024, limited action in 2025 (five snaps), and a pregame warmup fracture that led to injured reserve. Richardson has not requested a trade. The Colts' front office and coaching staff have publicly remained neutral about Richardson's future role.

Read at ESPN.com