Report: Colts' Richardson allowed to seek trade

The Indianapolis Colts granted quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, ESPN's Stephen Holder reports.

The Colts met with Richardson's agent Thursday, and the sides decided it would be best to explore trade options, sources told NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

There's mutual interest between the Minnesota Vikings and Richardson, Wolfe adds.

Richardson was drafted fourth overall by the Colts in 2023 but lost the starting job to Daniel Jones prior to the 2025 campaign. Even after Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, Richardson was unable to reclaim his role down the stretch due to a broken orbital bone socket that required surgery. He sustained the injury in October and returned to practice in December, but he ultimately never made it back onto the field.

Richardson's long-term future in Indianapolis lacked clarity this offseason, with the franchise reportedly focusing on re-signing Jones, a pending free agent, to a multi-year contract. Jones rejuvenated his career with the Colts last season, going 8-5 as a starter with 3,101 yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Drafted for his impressive traits, including arm strength, Richardson was seen as Indianapolis' next franchise quarterback at one point. However, plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, the Florida product has started only 15 games for the Colts.

An AC joint sprain limited Richardson to four games during his rookie season. In his second year, Indy briefly benched him for two contests before giving him back the starting job. Richardson then lost the starter role the next campaign to Jones, who the Colts signed to a one-year deal last offseason.

While Richardson has flashed his rocket arm by leading the NFL with 14.4 yards per completion in 2024, his biggest hurdle has been his accuracy. He's completed only 50.6% of his passes since entering the league, and he produced a completion rate of just 47.7% across his 11-game stretch as a starter in 2024. Richardson has also thrown for more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (11) as a pro.

Richardson will be 24 years old when the 2026 season kicks off.