Source: Colts decline Richardson’s fifth-year option for ’27

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts The quarterback will not pick up a fifth-year team option for 2027 Anthony Richardson Srof his rookie contract, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Friday is the deadline for NFL teams to exercise fifth-year options on 2023 first-round picks. With the Colts declining to do so, Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, is expected to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season. Exercising Richardson’s option would have resulted in more than $22 million in guaranteed salary.

The decision only adds to the uncertainty surrounding Richardson’s future with the club. Named the starting quarterback just two weeks into his first training camp, Richardson requested a trade in February and was allowed to talk to other teams about a potential deal.

Although no deal has yet materialized, it is unclear whether Richardson will remain with the Colts through the 2026 season. He’s holding out hope of landing elsewhere for a fresh start following the Colts’ commitment to the quarterback Daniel Joneswho signed a two-year, $88 million extension last month and will be the team’s starter for the foreseeable future.

Richardson has opted not to participate in voluntary off-season workouts thus far.

General manager Chris Ballard recently indicated that Richardson could remain with the team.

“There’s definitely a scenario there,” Ballard said in March. “He’s a good friend and he’s talented. I still wish the best for Anthony. I still think he’s got a lot in him.”

Richardson, a raw prospect who started just 13 games at the University of Florida, has struggled with performance and injuries in his short Colts tenure. He missed 17 games due to injury while serving as the starter in 2023-24, then spent most of last season on injured reserve after a freak accident left him with an orbital fracture during pregame warmups.

In 17 appearances over three seasons, Richardson completed 50.6% of his attempts with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Fox59 in Indianapolis first reported that the Colts would not option Richardson.