The Indianapolis Colts had a decision to make on Anthony Richardson by May 1, and the fact that the team didn't make a decision was a decision unto itself. By the first of May, Indy needed to pick up the quarterback's fifth-year option or not. The team chose the latter.
This means that if Richardson and his people cannot find a trade partner this offseason, his career will be at an impasse in the 2027 offseason. That could also come sooner rather than later. After all, Richardson is not guaranteed a roster spot in the coming season.
The QB requested to be traded this offseason, and general manager Chris Ballard honored the request but tasked Richardson with finding a team that might want to deal for him. Maybe Ballard knew there would be few interested, and if he did think that, so far he's right.
Indianapolis Colts don't pick up Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option
Some might have assumed that if the quarterback were going to be moved, that would have been done just before or during the 2026 NFL draft. That way, Indianapolis could have used any draft value gained from the move immediately. Now, if Richardson is traded, the Colts would likely have to wait for 2027's draft.
Indy probably won't do a player-for-player trade involving Richardson, as the draft value would be more beneficial. The trick is that Ballard might not be around next year if the QB is dealt soon. Unless the team makes the postseason and then does some damage once in the playoffs, the GM could be (should be?) fired.
The other option for the Indianapolis Colts is just releasing Anthony Richardson before the start of next season. The team would save literally nothing by releasing the player, but if he is traded, Indy would save as much as $5,385,549, according to Over the Cap.
Not that the money might be as important as opening up a roster spot and dismissing a player who clearly doesn't want to be part of the organization. Quarterback Daniel Jones will be the starter once he fully recovers from a torn ACL suffered in Week 14 of last season. Riley Leonard is expected to be his backup.
Richardson has no real path to playing for Indy, so he is simply taking up a roster spot that could go to an extra edge rusher or wide receiver. After trading Michael Pittman this offseason to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Colts are a little light at wideout. Ironically, trading Adonai Mitchell in 2025 might have more of a long-term impact on the team than dealing Richardson.