Indianapolis – On Thursday night, Anthony Richardson stepped onto the Colts’ practice field for a voluntary workout, a move that both acknowledges his desire to stay in the NFL and deepens the intrigue surrounding a trade request he filed only weeks earlier. The session, held at Lucas Oil Stadium under the dim glow of the late‑summer lights, was the first on‑field activity Richardson has logged since the franchise announced a two‑year, $88 million extension for starting quarterback Marvin Jones. His presence raises immediate questions about depth‑chart construction, the value the Colts place on a raw but high‑upside talent, and how the organization will navigate the quarterback carousel that has defined its offseason.
Background: From Florida’s Dual‑Threat Rookie to Trade‑Requesting Backup
Richardson entered the league as a 2023 third‑round selection out of the University of Florida, a program that had already produced a string of NFL‑ready quarterbacks. At UF, he posted a senior‑year stat line of 3,018 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions while also rushing for 620 yards and 10 scores. Scouts praised his 6‑foot‑4, 225‑pound frame and elite athleticism—he ran a 4.43‑second 40‑yard dash at the NFL Combine—but flagged his decision‑making and consistency as developmental concerns.
In his rookie season with Indianapolis, Richardson appeared in 12 games, completing 58 percent of his passes for 1,842 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He added 450 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns, showcasing a play‑action skill set that fit head coach Shane Steichen’s offense, which blends spread concepts with traditional pro‑style elements. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Colts’ coaching staff noted that his pocket awareness and read progression lagged behind league averages, prompting the team to keep him in a backup role while they groomed the 2024 first‑round pick Riley Leonard.
The Catalyst: Marvin Jones’ Extension and Richardson’s Trade Request
On March 12, the Colts locked down Marvin Jones—who threw for 4,112 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 2025—with a two‑year, $88 million extension that made him the highest‑paid quarterback in the AFC South. The deal, which included $55 million guaranteed, signaled Indianapolis’ commitment to Jones as the franchise’s long‑term starter. For Richardson, the financial commitment to a veteran quarterback effectively closed the door on any near‑term opportunity to compete for the starting job.
Within days, Richardson submitted a formal trade request to the front office, citing “a clear indication that the organization has charted a different path for me.” In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, he explained that the timing of the extension left him feeling “like the writing was already on the wall” and that a move to a team with a less entrenched starter could accelerate his development. The request was filed under the NFL’s standard Player Transaction Form, and the Colts’ General Manager Chris Ballard confirmed receipt but declined to comment on potential suitors.
Voluntary Workout: A Blessing in Disguise?
Despite the pending request, Richardson reported to the voluntary workout on Thursday, describing the opportunity as “a blessing in disguise.” He told reporters, “I’m grateful for the chance to work, to stay in the NFL, and to prove that I can contribute whether it’s here or elsewhere.” The workout was not a formal team‑run practice; rather, it was a voluntary session organized by the league’s player‑development department, allowing free agents and players in contract limbo to stay in shape and showcase their abilities to scouts from all 32 clubs.
During the session, Richardson threw 42 passes, hitting 27 for a 64 percent completion rate, and posted a 7.2‑yard per attempt average. He also recorded 12 rushes for 78 yards, demonstrating the same burst that made him a dual‑threat in college. Colts offensive coordinator Marcus Tucker, who observed the workout from the sidelines, noted, “Anthony’s mechanics are improving, and his decision‑making under pressure looks sharper than it did a year ago.” Tucker’s comments suggest that the Colts are still evaluating Richardson’s upside, even as trade talks continue.
Backup Battle: Richardson vs. Riley Leonard
If a trade does not materialize before training camp, Richardson will find himself in a direct competition with Riley Leonard for the backup quarterback spot. Leonard, the 2024 first‑round pick from the University of Miami, entered the league with a reputation for a cannon‑like arm and a prototypical 6‑5, 235‑pound frame. In his rookie year, Leonard appeared in six games, completing 62 percent of his passes for 1,021 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, while adding modest rushing numbers (112 yards, 1 touchdown).
The contrast between the two backs is stark: Richardson offers mobility, improvisational ability, and a history of making big plays on the run; Leonard offers a more traditional pocket passer profile with a higher ceiling in the vertical passing game. Colts head coach Shane Steichen, known for his quarterback‑centric schemes, has emphasized that the competition will be judged on “game‑like reps, poise in the red zone, and ability to execute the play‑action concepts that define our offense.”
Analysts project that the winner of this battle could see significant playing time if Marvin Jones sustains any injury. Jones entered the offseason recovering from a lower‑body strain that sidelined him for the final three weeks of the 2025 season. Medical staff estimate a 70‑80 percent chance that Jones will be fully healthy for week one, but the physical nature of his play—particularly his reliance on deep drops and post‑snap footwork—means the Colts are likely to keep a reliable contingency on the active roster.
Strategic Implications for the Colts
The quarterback depth chart is more than a roster footnote for Indianapolis; it is a strategic lever that influences draft philosophy, free‑agency spending, and even defensive scheming. Should the Colts retain Richardson, they gain a versatile weapon who can be deployed in short‑yardage, goal‑line, and red‑zone packages, allowing offensive coordinator Tucker to design “QB‑run” plays that keep defenses honest. This could also free up a roster spot for a traditional running back, adding depth at the position without sacrificing quarterback versatility.
Conversely, if a trade is executed before camp, the Colts could leverage Richardson’s market value to acquire a mid‑round draft pick or a veteran backup with a proven track record. The trade market for quarterbacks has been active this offseason, with teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos reportedly scouting for a complementary quarterback to pair with their starters. A successful trade would also signal to the league that Indianapolis is committed to a clear hierarchy at quarterback, potentially easing any lingering locker‑room tension.
From a salary‑cap perspective, Richardson’s 2026 contract sits at $5 million guaranteed, a modest figure relative to the $88 million allocated to Jones. This financial flexibility gives the Colts leeway to explore other roster upgrades without jeopardizing core contracts.
Historical Comparisons: Backup Quarterbacks Who Became Stars
The Colts are not the first franchise to wrestle with a talented backup whose future hung in the balance. In 2013, the Denver Broncos kept rookie Brock Osweiler on the roster as a backup to Peyton Manning; when Manning was injured, Osweiler stepped in and delivered a 4,000‑yard season that propelled Denver to the playoffs. More recently, the New England Patriots turned a trade‑requesting backup, Cam Newton, into a short‑term starter after Tom Brady’s retirement, illustrating how a team’s willingness to develop a backup can yield immediate dividends.
For Richardson, the narrative could follow either path. If he remains in Indianapolis and earns meaningful reps, he could evolve into a hybrid quarterback—similar to Kyler Murray’s role with the Arizona Cardinals—who forces defenses to account for both the pass and the run. If a trade occurs, his next destination could be a team with a less established starter, offering a clearer path to a starting role much earlier than his original timeline suggested.
Expert Analysis: What the Numbers Tell Us
Advanced metrics from the voluntary workout paint a nuanced picture. Richardson’s Expected Completion Percentage (xComp%) was 68 percent, indicating that his accuracy under pressure is improving. His Passer Rating in the session stood at 112.4, well above the league average of 92.3 for backups. Rushing-wise, his Yards After Contact (YAC) per carry was 5.3, a figure comparable to established mobile quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts.
However, his Decision‑Making Index (DMI), which quantifies the ratio of throws under duress to throws in the pocket, still lags behind league norms (0.42 versus the backup average of 0.35). This suggests that while Richardson’s athleticism is undeniable, his ability to process reads quickly remains a development area.
Colts analytics director Maya Patel emphasized that “the team will weigh Richardson’s upside against his volatility. In a league where the margin between a starter and a backup can be a single error, consistency is king.”
What’s Next for Indianapolis?
The next 30 days will be decisive. Training camp opens on July 25, and the Colts have indicated that if a trade is not finalized by then, Richardson will remain on the 90‑man roster. During camp, he will receive a full slate of reps in both the first and second teams, allowing coaches to assess his readiness for a potential early‑season insertion should Marvin Jones miss time.
Should the trade materialize, the Colts could receive a 2027 third‑round pick—a valuation that aligns with Richardson’s projected ceiling according to DraftScout’s 2026 quarterback rankings. Alternatively, a veteran backup such as Andy Dalton (now a free agent) could be signed on a low‑guarantee contract, preserving roster flexibility while still providing a safety net.
Regardless of the outcome, the quarterback situation will dominate the Colts’ offseason narrative. As Steichen put it, “Our identity this year will be defined by the quarterback room. Whether it’s Marvin, Anthony, or Riley, we need to be confident that we have the right players ready to execute our game plan at a moment’s notice.”
When did Anthony Richardson file his trade request?
Richardson submitted the request during the offseason after the Colts announced Marvin Jones’ $88 million extension, according to NFL.com.
What is the status of Marvin Jones’ injury?
Jones entered the offseason recovering from a lower‑body injury that kept him sidelined for the final weeks of the previous season; his health will determine how many snaps Richardson might see early in 2026.
How does Riley Leonard compare to Richardson?
Leonard, selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, brings a stronger arm and more prototypical size, while Richardson offers mobility and play‑action skill; the two present different developmental paths for Indianapolis.
