Colts decide on Anthony Richardson — update from Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Colts have decided not to exercise quarterback Anthony Richardson’s fifth-year option, signaling a shift in how the team views the 2023 No. 4 overall pick. Despite a challenging start to his NFL career that included injuries, a late-season benched stretch, and a notable on-field fatigue moment, the decision reflects concerns about consistency and long-term viability as the Colts weigh options for 2027 and beyond.

Key points include:
– The fifth-year option, worth about $22.48 million for 2027, was declined by the Colts as the decision deadline passed.
– Richardson’s early-career performance has been underwhelming relative to expectations, with a 1,814 passing yards, eight touchdowns, 12 interceptions in 2024 before his benching and a 47.7% completion rate.
– Off-field and in-game moments, such as Richardson taking himself out of a critical game due to fatigue, have added to questions about his reliability.
– The Colts now face a uncertain quarterback situation, potentially leaning on second-year backup Riley Leonard or other options, while Richardson remains on the roster and could become a target for a future reclamation project elsewhere.

Key Takeaways:
– The decision not to exercise the fifth-year option underscores the Colts’ cautious stance on Richardson’s development and long-term fits.
– The current quarterback depth chart includes Daniel Jones (returning from injury), Riley Leonard (limited NFL experience), and Richardson, with his future in Indianapolis still unclear.