IND Anthony Richardson
NFL player. Position: QB. Team: IND (on trade block).
Quick Facts
- Position: QB
- Team: IND (Indianapolis Colts)
- Draft: 2024 1st round, 4th overall
- Status: Competing for backup role; potential trade candidate
2026 Outlook
Richardson came into the league with top-tier athleticism (perfect 10.0 RAS score, comparable to Cam Newton) but has struggled to translate that into on-field success. Through his first two seasons, he posted a career 50.6% completion rate, 67.8 passer rating, and a quarterback rating around 46—disappointingly low for a top-4 pick. He's only started 15 games at the NFL level following limited starting experience at Florida (24 games). Behind Daniel Jones, Richardson competes with Riley Leonard for the backup QB role with the Colts, though his limited time under center means he hasn't received a real opportunity to develop (per Panthers tabbed as potential trade suitor for top-4 pick at QB).
Backup QB ranking: CBS Sports ranked the top 10 backup quarterback situations heading into 2026, and Richardson cracked the list at #10 despite ongoing competition with Leonard for the role. The ranking acknowledges Richardson's on-field shortcomings (2024 stats: 33rd in EPA per play, 17.6% of throws off-target, 8 TDs/12 INTs in 11 starts) but credits his big-play ability and rushing upside for the spot. Richardson led the NFL in yards per completion in 2024 despite low completion volume, showing elite arm talent. His rushing ability stands out—18% explosive rush rate from 2023-24, third in the NFL behind Drake Maye and Kyler Murray. CBS analysts note Richardson remains "a great unknown": he could have a Malik Willis-esque rebirth if given a fresh opportunity, or could be a disaster in a pinch. The backup ranking reflects his ceiling (high-upside arm talent, elite athleticism) rather than his current floor (accuracy issues, injury history, scheme confusion) (per CBS Sports: Anthony Richardson ranks among NFL's top 10 backup quarterback situations in 2026).
A critical development looms: Richardson is due a $4.2M roster bonus on the third day of training camp in August. If the Colts hold him through that date, any team acquiring him post-bonus would only owe him $1.1M for the entire 2026 season—a low-risk, high-reward scenario that could drive late-summer trades. This deadline may force the Colts' hand if they're unsure about Richardson's path forward (per CBS Sports: Anthony Richardson ranks among NFL's top 10 backup quarterback situations in 2026).
Trade speculation is mounting heading into 2026. The Carolina Panthers have been identified as a potential landing spot, with analysts suggesting Carolina would be willing to part with a Day 3 pick to take a chance on his upside under new coaching (per Panthers tabbed as potential trade suitor for top-4 pick at QB). Other potential suitors include Arizona, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and possibly others seeking a high-upside project QB. If Richardson gets a genuine opportunity with a new team, his athleticism and arm talent could still develop—but he remains unproven and faces an uphill battle to justify his draft pedigree.
Role / Depth Chart
Backup QB (IND). Competing with Riley Leonard for secondary role behind Daniel Jones. Status uncertain heading into training camp with potential for trade.
Injury Status
No injuries reported heading into 2026.
Recent News
- 2026-07-10 — Panthers tabbed as potential trade suitor for top-4 pick at QB (Panthers tabbed as potential trade suitor for top-4 pick at QB)
- 2026-06-15 — Daniel Jones' recovery remains on track; will Colts trade Anthony Richardson during camp? (Daniel Jones' recovery remains on track; will Colts trade Anthony Richardson during camp?)
Open Questions
- Will the Colts trade Anthony Richardson during training camp, and to which team?
- Does Richardson get a real opportunity to develop, or continue as a low-volume backup?