Anthony Richardson Finally Breaks Silence After Colts’ Stunning Contract Decision

The pressure is on quarterback Anthony Richardson after the Indianapolis Colts decided to decline the fifth-year option of his contract for the 2027 season.

The move effectively eliminates a commitment of more than $22 million to the former first-round selection by the Colts.

Richardson heads into the 2026 campaign with much uncertainty around his long-term future with Indianapolis. His role has shifted drastically toward backup, as Daniel Jones is firmly entrenched in the starting spot after inking a two-year, $88 million deal back in March.

All of that leaves Richardson in a career-defining spot as he’s having to prove that he can be a starting-caliber quarterback. That will likely have to come elsewhere, with Jones cementing his status as the future under center last season before his torn Achilles tendon in December.

Back in February, the Colts granted Richardson permission to speak with other teams about a trade, but nothing has materialized since then. If nothing transpires, he will assume the backup role for the 2026 season before he hits the open market next March.

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Richardson has shown flashes of potential, but injuries and inconsistent play have placed doubt over his capabilities. Over his first three seasons, he has played in 17 games, recording 2,400 passing yards on a 50.6 percent completion rate, 11 touchdown passes, 13 interceptions and a 67.8 passer rating.

Those struggles opened the door for Jones to step in as the starter, which he excelled at before his injury last season.