Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson’s time in Indianapolis may be coming to an end, as ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported that the Colts will not pick up his 2027 fifth-year option. What is a fifth-year option? A fifth-year option is typical for contracts of first-round NFL Draft picks, whereas four years is the standard for rookies. Once the first four years of the rookie deal are done, teams have the option to opt in to a fifth-year option. This is basically a one-year deal before extending a player.
Anthony Richardson’s Tenure With the Colts
It was also reported that back in March, Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard alluded to the possibility of Richardson staying with the team, saying, “There’s definitely a scenario there. He’s a good dude, and he’s talented. I still want good for Anthony. I still think he’s got a lot in him.”
Richardson was drafted by the Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft with the 4th overall pick out of the University of Florida. Richardson was a project, but had intangibles that aren’t usually common for a quarterback, like running back speed, cannon arm, and athleticism that rivals some of the best in the league. He only started 13 games in college, but scouts and general managers determined that he was worthy of a first-round pick.
So far in his tenure with the Colts, Richardson has thrown for 2,391 passing yards and 11 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, going 8-7 as a starter before being benched for current starting quarterback Daniel Jones in training camp of 2025.
Anthony Richardson’s future
Richardson may need a change of scenery in the NFL to get back on track. The talent is there, but going to a different team and system may do some good. A quarterback needs to be in a good place. Some quarterbacks, such as Daniel Jones, have gone elsewhere and done well; the same could be true for Richardson. But time will tell.
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