INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have authorized trade discussions for Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, marking a dramatic reversal for the franchise's embattled young quarterback.

Richardson's agents, Deiric Jackson and Chris Rogers of Legacy Sports Advisors, met with Colts general manager Chris Ballard at the NFL Combine on Thursday. Both sides agreed a trade served the 23-year-old quarterback's interests.

"Just looking for fits — teams that want to build and put AR in a position to succeed," Jackson said.

The agents declined to identify which teams have already called.

A Fresh Start on the Horizon

Richardson's representatives are casting his departure as an opportunity for reinvention. Agent Chris Rogers emphasized the quarterback's maturity and untapped potential.

"He needs a fresh start. [His next team] is gonna be surprised to find out how smart he is. When he was drafted, he was 20 years old. So now he's mature. He's seen a lot. ... I just think his next stop — it's going to be box office."

Rogers added: "He's got something to prove. He's going to do his job. He's going to give his team the best chance to win. He's excited."

Richardson's camp is seeking situations where he could compete for a starting job, though they remain open to learning behind an established veteran in a system tailored to his skillset.

Rogers pointed to potential landing spots with experienced quarterbacks—the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens—teams that have successfully developed raw prospects. (This assumes Aaron Rodgers re-signs with Pittsburgh.)

"Nothing is off the table. That's why we're intrigued."

Financial Appeal for Trade Partner

Any acquiring team inherits just $1.1 million in salary obligations, as Richardson enters the final year of his rookie contract.

A Disappointing Track Record

Richardson's two seasons in Indianapolis have been marked by underperformance and injury.

His 2023 rookie year showed early promise—he started immediately and went 2-2 in four games before a shoulder injury shelved him for the season.

The 2024 campaign proved problematic. Playing in 11 games despite an oblique injury and other ailments, Richardson completed 47.7% of his passes for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Colts went 6-5 in those games.

A critical moment came when Richardson pulled himself from a game, claiming he "needed a breather"—a decision that drew criticism given his inconsistent performance.

The Colts Moved On

Indianapolis benched Richardson for Daniel Jones as the 2025 starter. When Jones tore his Achilles in Week 14, the Colts did not return to Richardson. Instead, they signed retired veteran Philip Rivers in a playoff push attempt.

Richardson threw exactly two passes all season.

With Jones likely returning and Richardson essentially frozen out, the path to separation became inevitable. A trade allows both sides to move forward.