Colts declining Anthony Richardson’s option signals a shift at quarterback

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By turning down Anthony Richardson’s fifth-year option ahead of the May 1 deadline, the Colts made more than just a contract decision. They signaled that their vision of stability at quarterback is shifting.

This isn’t your typical contract story. The Colts weren’t left guessing anymore. After three years marked by injuries and inconsistent play, Indianapolis finally moved on from Richardson as a question they couldn’t afford to keep answering.

Colts make difficult call on Anthony Richardson’s future

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The decision to pick up Richardson’s option would have locked in about $22.5 million for the 2027 season. That amount makes sense for a quarterback with an established track record, but Richardson’s limited experience – just 15 starts over three years – made it a much bigger gamble.

Richardson hasn’t forced the issue on the field either. His numbers – 2,400 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions – highlight ongoing issues with accuracy and staying healthy. The Colts could only lean on his potential for so long before the contract situation required a firm decision.

Colts looking to overhaul quarterback room

It is now clear that the Colts are moving away from the idea of waiting for Richardson to develop, with Chris Ballard already mentioning a group consisting of Daniel Jones, Richardson and . The focus has shifted towards creating a more consistent quarterback situation.