Overshadowed by cheap veteran deals and a crowded depth chart, the former Florida QB faces a stagnant trade market as he battles to salvage his NFL future.
Former Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson is back with the Indianapolis Colts, working his way through OTAs this spring.
The Colts granted Richardson the opportunity to seek a trade this offseason as the team has moved on to Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback. Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has been unable to find suitors this spring.
Per Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom, Richardson was hurt by veterans Kyler Murray (Minnesota Vikings and Tua Tagovailoa (Atlanta Falcons) signing on the veteran minimum for $1.3 million, giving quarterback-needy teams cheap options in free agency.
Richardson has resigned himself to the likelihood he will stay with the Colts for the upcoming season.
"At this point, league sources indicated that Richardson has accepted that it is almost certain that he plays out this season with the Colts and then takes his chances in free agency next year after fulfilling his rookie contracts," La Canfora wrote.
"Richardson has not been a distraction of any sort since reporting to Indianapolis and the reality is, with Jones a high risk for injury throughout his career, and with the Colts adding quality pieces to their offensive roster in recent years, Richardson is actually in about as good a position as he could hope for, all things considered," La Canfora added.
There is a possibility Richardson could perform well enough in the preseason that a team with a quarterback injury in training camp could trade for Richardson, likely giving up a Day 3 pick, similar to what the Dallas Cowboys gave the San Francisco 49ers for Trey Lance in 2023.
The Colts could decide to make Riley Leonard the backup to Jones for the regular season, which could prompt general manager Chris Ballard to cut Richardson. With that idea as a real possibility, Indianapolis is praying that the young quarterback stays healthy during the offseason.
Richardson will get a new opportunity on a new team, but the former Gators signal-caller likely won't get that chance until the 2027 offseason, when he's no longer on a rookie deal. He'll have to prove himself next offseason.