Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is seeking a trade. What might the Colts get back in return?
This week at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, news broke that the Indianapolis Colts have agreed to allow quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. to seek a trade after a Thursday morning meeting between the Colts and Richardson's representation led to a mutual decision to part ways.
Richardson's first three years in the NFL have been a mix of "Wow!" plays woven throughout inconsistency. Although Richardson does things on the football field that most others simply can't, he hasn't yet developed the ability to run an offense effectively.
Persistent injuries have been the main culprit in Richardson's failure to launch, as he's been available for just 29 of a possible 51 games, including missing the last 12 last season after a freak pregame incident left him with a fractured orbital bone in his eye.
With Richardson hitting the trade market, there should be interest out there. He has just one year remaining on his rookie contract, which is a fully guaranteed $10.8 million. Whatever team he is on has until the beginning of May to choose whether or not to exercise his fifth-year option, which would give him a salary of $23.5 million in 2027.
There are plenty of recent examples of first-round quarterbacks being traded before their rookie contract is up. Going back five years, here is an example of each player who was in a comparable situation to Richardson and what they were traded for.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before playing against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images2021: Sam Darnold (fourth year)
New York Jets received:
- 2021 sixth-round pick
- 2022 second-round pick
- 2022 fourth-round pick
Carolina Panthers received:
- Sam Darnold
Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) leaves the field after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images2022: Baker Mayfield (fifth year)
Cleveland Browns received:
- 2024 conditional fifth-round pick
Carolina Panthers received:
- Baker Mayfield
Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) throws the ball during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images2023: Trey Lance (third year)
San Francisco 49ers received:
- 2024 fourth-round pick
Dallas Cowboys received:
- Trey Lance
Nov 16, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) warms up in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images2024: Mac Jones (fourth year)
New England Patriots received:
- 2024 sixth-round pick
Jacksonville Jaguars received:
- Mac Jones
Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) throws the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images2024: Kenny Pickett (third year)
Pittsburgh Steelers received:
- 2024 third-round pick
- 2025 seventh-round pick
- 2025 seventh-round pick
Philadelphia Eagles received:
- Kenny Pickett
- 2024 fourth-round pick
Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) throws a pass against the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images2024: Justin Fields (fourth year)
Chicago Bears received:
- 2025 conditional sixth-round pick
Pittsburgh Steelers received:
- Justin Fields
Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson (0) warms up before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images2024: Zach Wilson (fourth year)
New York Jets received:
- 2024 sixth-round pick
Denver Broncos received:
- Zach Wilson
- 2024 seventh-round pick
Of these seven quarterbacks, none of them remain with the original team that traded for them, and each of them is on at least their third NFL team. Darnold is on his fifth, and Mayfield on his fourth, although both have established themselves as bona fide NFL quarterbacks in recent seasons.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.