Does a world exist in which Richardson starts for the Colts in 2026?

Sep 14, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) warms up prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

I’ve been watching a lot of Stranger Things recently. Because of that, I do believe there is a world in which Anthony Richardson finds him under center for the 2026 iteration of the Indianapolis Colts. It’s called the “Upside Down”. For non-fans of the show, that is the world that exists under ours in a spooky, mirror-like reverse image. Now, speaking truthfully, there is a real world way Richardson starts for the Colts in the sense there is a chance for about anything to happen, but also speaking truthfully, the “Upside Down” kind of seems like the only way.

Bridges have been burned and future plans have been made that don’t include Richardson. There wasn’t a public blowup but enough of the tension has bubbled to the surface to understand there is no home in Indy for the young, oft-maligned quarterback. The tap-out and subsequent benching was the public beginning of the end. Behind the scenes, there were probably a dozen more reasons why the Colts now feel the need to move on. Add in an extremely rich replacement and a fresh face that impressed in week 18, and the mountain against Richardson continues to rise.

Here’s the rub, though. Who takes him and for what? If recently rumored teams like the Cardinals aren’t that serious about acquiring his services, do the Colts trade him for the bottom of the barrel price to simply move on? If that doesn’t pan out, the worst case scenario is cutting bait and getting nothing in return. Is Richardson, the player, worth nothing to this organization? If he still has some value, his chances of seeing action increase. Daniel Jones might not be 100% to start the season, and if Riley Leonard suffers an injury right before the season, enter Richardson. That might be the only possible scenario in which we see him at quarterback for the Colts again.

A lot has to happen for that to be the case, and the more likely outcome is that the Colts find a trade partner at the 11th hour or decide to free up the roster spot. It would be a disappointing end, but retaining a player that seems to have worn out his welcome and no longer wishes to be on the team seems like the wrong move too. Anthony Richardson should get another chance. At this point, the chance that comes with the Colts seems slim.