The Colts did not pick up Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option, raising questions about their 2023 NFL Draft choices. They could have selected impactful players like Jack Campbell instead of focusing solely on a quarterback.
Key points
Colts did not pick up Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option
Jack Campbell was available when Colts drafted
Campbell has made 402 tackles and 5 sacks
Colts focused on quarterback instead of other positions
Colts may regret not selecting Campbell
ColtsLionsAnthony RichardsonJack Campbell
The Colts didn't pick up quarterback Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option; not a surprise given the price tag ($22 million), his request to be traded and his current role (third-string quarterback). Hindsight is, of course, 20/20 but who could the Colts have taken with the fourth overall pick in 2023 if they weren't set on selection a quarterback? Here's a look at who was available:
Dec 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) celebrates after a sack against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Dec 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) celebrates after a sack against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Lions were criticized for taking a running back (Jahmyr Gibbs, see below) and a middle linebacker (Campbell) in the first round. But they have been two of the most productive players selected. Campbell has made 402 tackles, 19 for loss, 13 quarterback hits, 5 sacks and 10 passes defensed, and was named first team All-Pro last season. The Colts had an emerging Zaire Franklin in 2023. Would they rather have Campbell now? Yes. Did taking Campbell then make sense? No.
Q&A
What were the Colts' options in the 2023 NFL Draft besides Anthony Richardson?
The Colts could have selected players like Jack Campbell or Jahmyr Gibbs instead of focusing on a quarterback.
Why didn't the Colts pick up Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option?
The Colts chose not to pick up Richardson's fifth-year option due to his $22 million price tag and his request to be traded.
How has Jack Campbell performed since being drafted by the Lions?
Jack Campbell has made 402 tackles, 19 for loss, and was named first team All-Pro last season.
What impact could Jack Campbell have had on the Colts' defense?
Jack Campbell's addition could have strengthened the Colts' defense, potentially making them more competitive given his All-Pro status.
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Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) celebrates a stop with linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) celebrates a stop with linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Carter was widely considered one of the top talents in the 2023 draft but was arrested prior to it on reckless driving and racing charges. He received 12 months probation, a $1,000 fine, 80 hours of community service and had to complete a defensive driving course, according to nfl.com. Carter's been a very productive defensive tackle, making two Pro Bowls with 108 tackles, 37 quarterback hits, 25 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 13 passes defensed and 4 forced fumbles. With Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner, defensive tackle was not a priority for the Colts in 2023 but Carter would make a difference.
New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) runs off the field after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) runs off the field after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
Will McDonald, Jets, 1st round, 15th overall
McDonald didn't make a start as a rookie but has recorded 18.5 sacks the last two seasons with 58 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 43 quarterback hits. He's undersized at 245 pounds and derives most of his value from rushing the passer but that's exactly what the Colts need.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua on the field following a game against the Arizona Cardinals in January at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua on the field following a game against the Arizona Cardinals in January at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Every NFL team passed on Nacua multiple times so let's not be too hard on the Colts for missing out. Nacua led the NFL last season with 129 catches to go with 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Colts had Alec Pierce, Michael Pittman and Josh Downs; is Nacua better? Yes. Should anyone be complaining that they missed out on Nacua? Not really.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 09: Khalil Mack #52 celebrates a safety with Tuli Tuipulotu #45 and Odafe Oweh #98 of the Los Angeles Chargers against the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 09: Khalil Mack #52 celebrates a safety with Tuli Tuipulotu #45 and Odafe Oweh #98 of the Los Angeles Chargers against the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2025 after making 13 sacks with 23 quarterback hits, 20 tackles for loss, 3 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles. Tuipulotu's undersized at 6-3, 266 pounds and didn't become a full-time starter until his third season but he's gotten better every season. Same caveats applies to a second-round pick but the Colts are a different team with a pass rusher like Tuipulotu on the roster.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrates after a fumble recovery against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Dec. 7, 2025.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrates after a fumble recovery against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Dec. 7, 2025.
Now we're getting to some serious regret. Witherspoon has been a three-time Pro Bowler at corner, who has chipped in 4.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss (though only 2 interceptions). The Colts took JuJu Brents in the second round and he couldn't stay on the field. With Witherspoon, do they sign Charvarius Ward? Do they trade two first-round picks for Sauce Gardner? Cornerback was not a high-priority position under then defensive coordinator Gus Bradley but Witherspoon would have been a better pick.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 08: Byron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a sack in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 08, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 08: Byron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a sack in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 08, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Again, it's hard to blame the Colts for passing on an under-sized pass rusher that every team passed on but another example of general manager Chris Ballard's inability to find pass rushers. Young has 27.5 sacks, including 12 last season to earn a Pro Bowl berth. The Colts are a different team with Young on the roster.
Others
Jahmyr Gibbs has a case as the most productive player from the 2023 class (3,580 rushing yards, 39 TDs, 1,449 receiving yards, 10 TDs) but the Colts don't need a running back. ... Bijan Robinson (3,910 yards, 25 TDs; 1,738 receiving yards, 9 TDs) has been excellent but the Colts didn't need a running back. ... Zay Flowers has been a very good receiver (3,128 yards, 14 TDs) but was not a viable alternative for Richadson. ... Jaxson Smith-Njigba emerged as the NFL's top receiver in 2025 -- 1,793 receiving yards, 10 TDs -- but the debate is the same as Nacua so he just gets an Others mention. ... There were several good or better linemen selected in the 2023 draft as well: Darnell Wright (second team All-Pro in 2025), O'Cyrus Torrence (50 of a possible 51 starts with Buffalso) and Anton Harrison (48 starts with Jacksonville). The Colts' offensive line has not been an issue.
Conclusion
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of reviewing this draft is how few first-round picks would be good fits for the Colts. Tyree Wilson was the first pass rusher selected at No. 7 and has been a disappointment, getting dealt for a third-round pick during the draft. Linebacker Lukas Van Ness -- 13th to the Packers -- has been a disappointment with just two starts. The best players, as noted above, were running backs, receivers and offensive linemen.
