The Indianapolis Colts have given QB Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, putting a former first-round passer on the block. And the newest option for quarterback-needy teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers to consider.
One of the most intriguing physical profiles in recent memory, Richardson blends size, athleticism, and one of football’s strongest arms. But inconsistency and injury have derailed his career and has Richardson wanting a fresh start. ESPN Colts beat writer Stephen Holder first reported the news.
NEWS: The Indianapolis Colts have given QB Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade given his uncertain future in Indy, ESPN has learned.
Story upcoming on https://t.co/5nxkndQ3MZ.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 26, 2026
The fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has made 15 starts. He’s thrown more interceptions (13) than touchdown passes (11), though he also has 10 rushing scores. His game has swung wildly between highlight-reel downfield throws and terrible mistakes.
At his best, Richardson produces plays like these.
At his worst, Richardson’s completed 50.6 percent of his 350 career NFL passing attempts. A figure that wouldn’t be acceptable in the 1980s, let alone today. Of the 142 quarterbacks since 2010 with 300-plus pass attempts, only Tim Tebow’s registered a worse completion percentage.
Richardson spent nearly the entire 2025 season on the sidelines. Daniel Jones beat him out for the starting job and Richardson suffered one of the NFL’s freakiest injuries. He broke the orbital bone under his eye after a resistance band snapped back and hit him in the face during pregame warmups. He finished the year attempting just two passes.
Richardson’s physical tools are undeniable. A raw player out of Florida who threw just 393 college passes, it’s not surprising to see him struggle early in his NFL career. With more time, perhaps his career arc could look similar to Malik Willis. A similarly raw player out of Liberty who struggled early in his career, Willis is now the No. 1 pending free agent quarterback.
Under offensive-minded head coach Mike McCarthy, the Steelers could, in theory, have interest in Richardson. Acquiring him in a trade shouldn’t be costly and his contract is cheap, Richardson owed a base salary of $1.145 million in the final year of his rookie year. His fifth-year option is due in May but it’s safe to say any team, Colts or otherwise, will decline it.
Anthony Richardson is set to earn $5,385,549 in 2026. His fifth-year option decision for 2027 is due in early May as well. #Steelers #NFL
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) February 26, 2026
Richardson has started one game against Pittsburgh, exiting early due to injury in 2024. Veteran Joe Flacco came off the bench to replace him and led the Colts to a 27-24 victory. In 2025, Mike Tomlin quipped his unheeded directive that day was not to let Flacco into the game.
Should Aaron Rodgers choose retirement, Richardson becomes a more viable option. Even if Rodgers returns, landing Richardson for a Day 3 pick as a nod toward the future has its merit. Still, his game needs to grow so much that it’s difficult to confidently say his career will turn around.
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