Anthony Richardson Grateful Colts Are Taking Risk on Him at OTAs

After being unable to find a trade partner early in the offseason, quarterback Anthony Richardson showed up to the Indianapolis Colts voluntary OTAs this spring.

The Colts took Richardson with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. His career in Indianapolis is expected to be over as the team turns to Daniel Jones as the franchise leader.

On May 6, Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter revealed that Richardson was taking reps with the Colts during OTAs, though he did not confirm how the reps were being split between Richardson and fellow backup quarterback Riley Leonard.

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While Cooter’s comments didn’t help the trade value of Richardson, the Colts have to be cautious with how they navigate the situation. If Indianapolis cannot find a trade partner for Richardson this offseason, general manager Chris Ballard could decide to release the 23-year-old quarterback. Those plans would be ruined if Richardson suffered an injury during OTAs.

While his Eastside High School jersey (Gainesville, FL) was being retired on Thursday night, Richardson called it a “blessing” that the Colts are giving him an opportunity to improve his skill before he lands with a new team.

“The Colts are still giving me a chance to go out there and work, work hard and potentially get on the field,” Richardson said, via indystar.com. “Glad to be able to stay in the NFL and put the work in. Just showing up at OTAs, it was a blessing in disguise for me because I just wanted to work and they allowed me to do that so I’m thankful for that.”

The market appears to be dead for Richardson at this point in the offseason, though it could heat up when injuries start to hit in training camp. Until then, the Colts hope to keep the quarterback healthy. It’ll be worth keeping an eye on how heavy his practice load is when reporters watch practices at mandatory minicamp.

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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 2:50 PM.