Anthony Richardson Future
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson's only completion of the 2025 season was too himself offa deflection for a 9-yard gain.
While much of the Indianapolis Colts‘ offseason discussions have centered around quarterback Daniel Jones’ future with the team, former starting QB Anthony Richardson Sr. has been a hot topic as well. There has been plenty oftrade speculation around the former number four overall pick. Richardson’s pro career has been optimized by his wealth of talent, but has been marred by inconsistencies and an inability to stay healthy. Despite his shortcomings, Colts general manager Chris Ballard still isn’t ruling out Richardson having a future in Indy.
“You never know what’s going to happen and things change, but yeah, we like Anthony,”Ballard said at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. “I’m not going to say he needs a complete fresh start. Anthony’s still young. He’s still developing, so we’ll see what the feature holds, but I mean I still believe in [his future].”
Anthony Richardson Cleared to Play Football Following Freak Injury
Anthony Richardson stats
GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has thrown for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while rushing for an additional 634 yards and 10 touchdowns across 17 career games played.
Before Richardson can be projected to play elsewhere, teams will have to make sure that he is even healthy to play at all. Richardson suffered afreak injury where he fractured an orbital bone in his eye during a warm-up mishap with a band. The injury forced Richardson to miss an opportunity to start late in the season after Daniel Jones went down with a torn Achilles injury. Even though Richardson wascleared to practice late in the year, head coach Shane Steichen revealed that Richardson’s vision was still limited.
When asked about how Richardson was progressing,Ballard said, “He’s getting better. I know he met with another specialist. He’s getting better. He’s been cleared to play football.”
Ballard then praised Richardson for how he’s handled himself over the past year.
“I’m proud of him. I’m proud of Anthony, man. I mean, here’s a guy that’s had to deal with a lot of injury stuff that happens. Unfortunate accident with his eye. He doesn’t win the job, Daniel [Jones] wins the job. I think the one thing that I don’t know everybody appreciates about Anthony — I do and I know some of his teammates do — he’s a really good teammate. Positive, wants to do the right things. So, it’s trending in the right direction. Still got a ways to go, but he’s cleared to play. And the eye’s getting better. So, we’ll just work from there.”
These comments are significant given the scrutiny Richardson received for his maturity the year prior. Richardson also made notable strides in his play during training camp last year. While the Colts are unlikely to pick up Richardson’s fifth-year option in the spring, the young QB’s improvements on and off the field lead to a world where he stays with the team.
Chris Ballard Remains Positive On Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce Contract Negotiations
Daniel Joens stats
GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 164 yards and 5 scores across 13 games played in 2025.
The Colts’ offensive success will likely hinge on their ability to retain quarterback Daniel Jones and too a slightly lesser extent, wide receiver Alec Pierce. Ballard provided an optimistic update on the progress of both accounts.
“It’s been very positive,”Ballard said. “When both sides are driven to get it done, it usually works out in the right way. We’re driven, they’re driven.”
The Colts currently have the 13th mostcap space in the league, and while Ballard acknowledged that the franchise tag is “a tool we have”, he hopes the team won’t have to use it.
The official free agent period begins onMarch 11, and the Colts hope to have Jones and Pierce signed to long-term extensions before they have a chance to hit the open market.