Colts decline Anthony Richardson Sr’s fifth-year option
Oct 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) hands off the ball during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Grace Smith-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images The Colts have officially declined the fifth-year option on quarterback Anthony Richardson, a move that had felt inevitable for weeks but still marks a significant moment for the franchise. Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida, will now enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
For a player once viewed as the long-term answer at quarterback, it’s a notable shift in direction. The decision itself is not surprising. Richardson’s time in Indianapolis has been defined more by uncertainty than progression.
Injuries have limited his availability, and when he has been on the field, the results have been inconsistent. The flashes that made him such an intriguing prospect coming out of college have been there at times, but they have been overshadowed by struggles with accuracy, decision-making, and overall command of the offense. The Colts’ handling of the position over the past two seasons has reflected that uncertainty.
Richardson has not held the job outright at any point. He split time with Gardner Minshew during his rookie season in 2023, then saw a similar situation unfold in 2024 alongside Joe Flacco. Last season, the team went in a different direction entirely, bringing in Daniel Jones and effectively replacing Richardson as the primary option.
That context makes the option decision straightforward. Fifth-year options for quarterbacks, especially those drafted in the top five, carry significant financial commitments. Picking up Richardson’s option would have required a major investment in a player who has not yet established himself as a reliable starter.