Anthony Richardson reports to Colts' voluntary workouts amid trade request, uncertainty

While he still wants out of Indianapolis, quarterback Anthony Richardson reported to the Colts’ voluntary workouts on Monday, according to The Athletic’s James Boyd.

Richardson has requested a trade away from the Colts, and that has not been rescinded despite his presence with the team on Monday. Richardson wants to be dealt to another team, but will remain professional and work diligently “until something changes,” a source told The Athletic.

It’s unclear how far along the Colts are in finding a trade partner for Richardson after the two sides agreed to seek a trade for him in February. The team declined to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract last week.

Anthony Richardson recovering from eye injury

The Colts selected Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida, though he’s struggled both on the field and with injuries so far in the league.

Daniel Jones beat Richardson out for the starting job last year, and the team re-signed Jones to a new two-year deal earlier this offseason. Jones is recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered in December, but he is expected to play at some point this season.

Richardson has only started in 15 games during his first three seasons in the league. He was Jones’ backup early last season before he suffered a “fluke accident” with a stretching band ahead of their game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Richardson fractured his orbital bone, and didn’t play the rest of the season.

Anthony Richardson has not rescinded his trade request and still wants a fresh start away from Indianapolis. (Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)

(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / REUTERS)

In his 17 total appearances, Richardson has completed just better than 50% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Richardson has just one year left on his initial four-year, $33.9 million rookie deal.

Richardson’s team reportedly provided the Colts with medical records that proved he had regained “20/20 vision” when he made his trade request in February, according to The Athletic. General manager Chris Ballard said at the NFL scouting combine that while he was cleared to play, he still has “a ways to go.”

Richardson’s presence at the team’s workouts this week, at the very least, are an opportunity to prove that his vision is back to normal and he’s capable of playing again.

So, where will Anthony Richardson end up?

While Richardson wants a fresh start, he may not get one before the 2026 season starts.

“There’s definitely a scenario [where he stays with us],” Ballard said in March, via ESPN. “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 is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 campaign. The Colts don’t seem to be in a hurry to move him, either, and there’s been no indication that they plan to release him.

For now, the Colts appear to be content to wait for the right option to deal Richardson — even if that means simply riding out the clock and keeping him on their roster until he hits free agency.

A lot can happen between now and the start of the season this fall. But, at least for the moment, Richardson is getting back to work. Whether that leads to a trade, or some sort of clarity on his situation, remains to be seen.