Anthony Richardson didn't have the kind of third season he would've liked.
He lost the starting job to Daniel Jones in training camp, then missed the second half of the Indianapolis Colts' season with a fluky eye injury.
Richardson is still under contract for the 2026 season, but his future is uncertain.
Jones tearing his Achilles only complicated matters, of course. And sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard had an impressive first NFL start against the Texans in Week 18, which makes things even a bit trickier.
So what are the Colts going to do with Richardson?
That's what owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon was asked on Monday.
She didn't say much: "I think I'm gonna stay in my lane on that one... Shane (Steichen) and Chris (Ballard) are gonna do the right thing."
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Colts fans think this suggests Richardson won't be back.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon on Anthony Richardson having a place with the #Colts.
— Drake Wally (@DwallsterDrake) January 5, 2026
"I think I'm gonna stay in my lane on that one."
"Shane and Chris are gonna do the right thing."
Yea - he's gone.
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The Colts could probably get at least a little bit of value in a trade for Richardson, although nothing like the top-five pick they used on him in 2023.
It wouldn't make sense at this point for Indy to cut Richardson for nothing, especially given that the Jones injury is a bit of a mystery in the early stages of his recovery.
But it's definitely something to watch this offseason. Richardson may have to eventually find a fresh start elsewhere in the NFL.
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