The Indianapolis Colts Have Declined Anthony Richardson’s Fifth-Year Option The Indianapolis Colts have officially declined quarterback Anthony Richardson’s fifth-year option, ending his tenure with the team and sending him into free agency after the 2026 season. The decision marks the culmination of a challenging NFL career for Richardson, who was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but has struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter. The Colts’ move was widely anticipated, given Richardson’s injury history, inconsistent performance, and the team’s pursuit of alternative quarterback solutions. Richardson, a Florida native, entered the league with high expectations but faced immediate challenges. During his rookie season, he split time with veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew, who served as the team’s primary starter. However, Richardson’s performance fluctuated, and he was eventually benched in 2024 after voluntarily stepping out of a game for a single play, citing a need for a “breather.” The decision drew criticism from fans and analysts, who questioned his professionalism and readiness for the NFL. The Colts reportedly used the incident as a cautionary example, reinforcing their commitment to accountability. In 2024, the Colts signed veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, who had been released by the New York Giants earlier that year. Jones and Richardson competed for the starting role during training camp, but Jones ultimately won the job. Richardson was named the team’s backup, though his season was cut short by a freak injury during pregame warmups. A fractured orbital bone in his eye forced him into injured reserve, and he later dealt with a grade-three AC joint sprain, requiring surgery and an extended absence.#indianapolis_colts #daniel_jones #anthony_richardson #gardner_minshew #riley_Leonard
Colts to Re-Sign QB Daniel Jones to 2-Year, $88M Contract The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones have agreed to a two-year, $88 million contract that could total up to $100 million, according to agents Brian Murphy and Andrew Kessler, who informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal includes $50 million in guaranteed payments at signing and an additional $60 million guaranteed for injury-related scenarios. Jones, recovering from a torn Achilles, is projected to be ready for the start of the regular season and is expected to participate in training camp, as confirmed by a source. The Colts placed a transition tag on Jones before the March 3 deadline, allowing them to match any offer sheet he might have signed. If he had remained on the tender, he would have earned $37.833 million in 2025. This move enabled the team to pursue free agent wide receiver Alec Pierce, whom they re-signed to a four-year, $116 million contract. The Colts also traded wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, saving $24 million against the salary cap. Despite prolonged negotiations and a significant gap between the sides as recently as last week, the Colts never considered pursuing another quarterback. Team officials had decided months ago to prioritize Jones as the foundation of their offseason strategy, even with his injury. Jones, 28, had a breakout season with the Colts in 2025 before sustaining a season-ending Achilles tear in December. His performance in 2025 included leading an offense that approached franchise records in the first half of the season. After joining the Colts last offseason and winning a preseason position battle against Anthony Richardson Sr., Jones led an offense that ranked among the league’s most explosive by midseason.#indianapolis_colts #adam_schefter #daniel_jones #brian_murphy #andrew_kessler
