SportsRecap
Wings roll past Fever in preseason matchup behind Paige Bueckers' 20 first-half points
Wings roll past Fever 95-80 in preseason, Bueckers shines with 20 points
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NFL
Colts make decision on Anthony Richardson's 5th year option
TL;DR
The Indianapolis Colts have decided not to exercise Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option for the 2027 NFL season. This decision comes ahead of the May 1st deadline for teams regarding their 2023 first-round picks.
Key points
- Colts will not exercise Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option
- Decision made ahead of the May 1st deadline
- Fifth-year options are fully guaranteed contracts
Indianapolis ColtsAnthony Richardson
The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly made a decision about Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option for the 2027 NFL season.
And to no surprise, the Colts won't be picking it up, according to Mike Chappell.
By the May 1st deadline, all teams must either exercise or decline the fifth-year option for their 2023 first-round picks.
These fifth-year options are one-year deals for the 2027 season and are fully guaranteed. The contract amounts are based on the position played, playing time, and if the player made a Pro Bowl.
According to Over the Cap, Richardson's option is projected to be $22.48 million.
With the Colts attempting to trade Richardson, they were never going to pick up the option and pay Richardson that amount next season.
In fact, the decision wasn't even on GM Chris Ballard's radar.
“We have not even talked about it," he said on the Monday before the NFL draft.
A "soft" trade market, as Adam Schefter put it, is what has led to this process beginning to drag out. The Colts also want to ensure they are getting a fair return for him.
That said, the sooner a trade partner is found, the better.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire:
Q&A
Why did the Colts decline Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option?
The Colts declined the option likely due to performance evaluations and contract considerations.
What is the significance of a fifth-year option in the NFL?
A fifth-year option allows teams to extend a player's contract for an additional year, providing financial security and a chance to evaluate their development.
What are the implications for Anthony Richardson after the Colts' decision?
Without the fifth-year option, Richardson will enter the final year of his rookie contract, increasing the urgency for him to prove his value in the upcoming season.