Colts grant QB Anthony Richardson OK to seek trade, agent says - ESPN

ESPN

by Stephen Holder

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Indianapolis Colts have granted Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, as revealed by his agent to ESPN. This decision comes after Richardson faced challenges during his three seasons with the team, including injuries and losing the starting quarterback role to Daniel Jones last preseason. With Jones set to remain the starter and re-signed for the upcoming season, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis appears uncertain. Richardson, a fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, has started 15 games for the Colts, recording 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. His career has been marked by potential but also hindered by setbacks, including a severe eye injury during a pregame incident last season that required surgery to repair his orbital bone. However, recent medical updates suggest his vision has fully recovered. The Colts’ decision to allow Richardson to explore a trade marks a turning point for the young quarterback, who is still only 23 years old and under contract for one more season unless his fifth-year option is exercised. This move could open new opportunities for Richardson elsewhere in the NFL, where he might find a team willing to invest in his development as a franchise QB. For fans of both the Colts and the NFL, this situation raises questions about Richardson’s potential future stardom and whether the Colts will rebuild their quarterback position with younger talent. The outcome of this trade request could also influence how teams approach similar situations with young players who may not yet fit into established team structures.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026