The Indianapolis Colts will not exercise the fifth-year option on quarterback Anthony Richardson’s rookie contract for the 2027 season, ESPN reports.
The move, revealed at the NFL’s deadline for 2023 first-round picks, means the former No. 4 overall selection will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 campaign. The option would have guaranteed more than $22 million.
The decision reflects ongoing uncertainty about Richardson’s role in Indianapolis. He requested a trade in February and received permission to discuss a potential deal with other clubs, though no agreement has been reached.
Richardson has skipped voluntary offseason workouts after the Colts signed Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million extension last month to serve as the team’s starter.
General manager Chris Ballard acknowledged the possibility that Richardson could remain with the club, describing him as “a good dude” who is “talented” and “still got a lot in him.”
Richardson’s early career has been hampered by injuries. He missed 17 games during his initial stint as starter and spent most of the past season on injured reserve after suffering an orbital fracture in pregame warm-ups.
In 17 career appearances, he has completed 50.6 percent of his passes for 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
