Speaking to the Indianapolis Star, Richardson said “The Colts are still giving me a chance to go out there and work, work hard and potentially get on the field.” Hence, it looks like the Colts might be adapting to the idea that no one will grab Richardson.

After all, a few weeks back, Colts GM Chris Ballard said the Colts received no calls as of yet for Richardson. That despite the QB actively looking to go elsewhere as he was relegated by Daniel Jones in the pecking order. As of now, Richardson still hopes to at least impress in OTAs.

Richardson is very young but hasn’t matured his game

Richardson admitted that if he doesn’t work hard and improve, he won’t be in the NFL much longer. Hence, he knows the clock is ticking despite him only being 24 years old when the season rolls around. While young. he’s been in the league for three years and his game is as raw as ever.

Richardson is a freak athlete and has unbelievable arm strength, but he doesn’t read defenses well, misses progressions, has very low accuracy (50.6% career-completion), and he is injury prone. Hence, he’s not a gamble many teams want to take.

The Colts QB situation is tricky

Daniel Jones is recovering from an Achilles tear, his timeline puts him back with the team for Week 1, but that might be rushing him a bit. Richardson is on his way out, and he also suffered a broken orbital bone that has taken longer to recover. Riley Leonard didn’t show much as a rookie last year either.

Hence, the Colts are praying on Daniel Jones’ recovery to be perfect and fast to get some stability. Jones came to the Colts after losing all his stock in the NFL. However, he was a pleasant surprise with the Colts. He had an 8-5 record before injury, throwing for 3,101 yards on 68% completion, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The Colts were the second-worst defense in passing yards last season. However, by putting big pressure on the opposing quarterback, that could change. Anarumo sais defensive end Laiatu Latu will have a breakthrough season.

“He’s not built like a typical defensive end,” Anarumo said. “He’s a jack of all trades… He is going to be unbelievable as he continues his process as a football player. He was on his way to 10 plus sacks last year, I think he’ll get there this year without a doubt.”

The Colts added muscle to the defensive line

Arden Key, Micheal Clemons, George Gumbs, and Caden Curry are new names on the Colts to help improve the pass-rush. They join the likes of Latu and DeForest Buckner. They also picked second-rounder CJ Allen as a linebacker.

Latu ended with 8.5 sacks, 45 tackles, 10 QB hits, and he also racked up an impressive three interceptions from the defensive end position. Latu also had five passes defended and one forced fumble. He is a force to be reckoned with and the Colts are banking on him.

The Colts have a hump to get over

The Colts haven’t reached the playoffs since the 2020. Shane Steichen has had three seasons and he has always wandered around the .500 mark. A 9-8, and then two 8-9 seasons followed. Steichen has done plenty without a proper quarterback, but the need to get into the playoffs is actually one that needs to be solved.

Josh Downs entered the NFL in 2023 as a third-round pick. Three years later, his younger brother Caleb was selected 11th overall by the Cowboys. While Caleb enters with first-round pedigree, Josh was quick to remind him of the family pecking order.

“It’s all fun and games, but I’ve still got to let him know he’s the ‘little brother’ in this situation,” Josh joked, referencing their high school days when his North Gwinnett team blew out Caleb’s Mill Creek.

The Cowboys’ defensive overhaul

Dallas enters 2026 with a revamped defensive projection. Following a difficult 2025 season marked by the departure of Micah Parsons, the front office has aggressively rebuilt the unit. The interior is now anchored by “The Dynamic Duo” of Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, both acquired via blockbuster trades.

With Caleb Downs joining a secondary that features Malik Hooker and DeMarvion Overshown (who has moved into a hybrid linebacker role), the Cowboys finally have the “premium instincts” needed to complement Dak Prescott’s offense. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker has already praised Caleb’s football IQ, calling his transition to the pro game “seamless.”

A career year looms for Josh Downs

For the elder Downs brother, the 2026 season offers a massive opportunity. With Michael Pittman Jr. traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, Josh is poised to see a significant increase in targets.

Josh currently sits as a primary weapon for quarterback Daniel Jones, who is returning from an Achilles injury after a stellar 2025 campaign where he finished third in the NFL in yards per attempt. If Jones maintains his form, Josh Downs—entering his fourth season—could be the focal point of one of the AFC’s most explosive offenses.

“The Colts will not pick up the fifth-year team option on quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.’s rookie contract for the 2027 season, a source confirmed to ESPN.”

For a player once seen as the future of the franchise, the decision marks a disappointing turn. Selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson arrived in Indianapolis with expectations of becoming the next elite quarterback in a lineage that once included Peyton Manning.

Injuries and inconsistency derail expectations for Anthony Richardson

Instead, Anthony Richardson’s tenure has been defined by setbacks. Injuries limited his availability, while inconsistency on the field prevented him from fully developing into the player the Colts envisioned. Despite flashes of potential, Richardson was never able to establish himself as a reliable long-term option.

By 2025, the Colts had already begun to pivot. Head coach Shane Steichen and the front office brought in veteran Daniel Jones, a move that initially looked like competition, but quickly became something more. After a solid season, Jones has emerged as the likely future at the position in Indianapolis.

That leaves Richardson in an uncertain position. Without the fifth-year option, he is now set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, and his time with the Colts appears to be nearing its end.

What’s next for Anthony Richardson?

The focus now shifts to what comes next. Anthony Richardson still possesses the physical tools that made him a top draft pick, and there will likely be teams willing to take a chance on unlocking that potential.

The question is whether he can find the right situation to reset his career, and whether he can stay healthy and consistent enough to finally deliver on the promise that once made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the league. For the Colts, the decision brings clarity. For Richardson, it opens the door to a second chance elsewhere.

Per James Boyd of The Athletic, when asked about what offers the team’s have received on Anthony Richardson, Ballard simply replied “nothing yet.” However, Ballard also negated being shocked by it. “Nothing surprises me anymore… (Gotta) have a little patience.”

Richardson has failed to live up to the hype created by getting picked fourth overall in 2023. However, between injuries and just bad play, he’s fallen down the ranks. Still, Richardson is a freak athlete and also will turn just 24 years old, so he is a young guy trying to establish himself. He has plenty of upside.

The Colts haven’t received any offers for Kenny Moore either

Kenny Moore is also looking to sell his cornerback services to other NFL teams, but Ballard says no calls have been made for him either. The 30-year-old corner is a former Pro Bowler, but he only started seven of the 14 games he played last season.

Moore has 21 career-interceptions, four pick-sixes, 68 passes defended, six forced fumbles, 11.5 sacks, and 649 tackles. He has a very good career, and he might have some tank in the gas, but the NFL hasn’t been interested in trading for him so far this offseason.

The Colts have not made that much quality moves

While they re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce, not many top-tier names have joined the Colts. In fact, they traded away arguably their best wideout in Michael Pittman Jr. The Colts also traded linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers.

The Colts had eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but not a first-rounder. They used their top two picks in LB CJ Allen, and safety AJ Haulcy. Hence, it seems like they are content with their roster.

The trade cost the franchise significantly, as they surrendered both their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. When analyzing which teams don’t have a first round pick, the Colts stand out as a team that prioritized proven veteran performance over the uncertainty of collegiate prospects.

Due to this blockbuster deal, the 2026 NFL Draft first-round order doesn’t include Indianapolis. The Colts will not be on the clock until the second round, where they currently hold the 47th overall pick. However, it is interesting to note that the Jets now own the selection the Colts would have made, which officially landed at the 16th pick in the 2026 draft.

Can the Colts get a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft?

Yes, the Colts can technically acquire a first-round pick for next season, but it would require another massive trade. Since they already sent their original 2027 selection to the New York Jets, they would need to trade a high-value player or multiple mid-round assets to get back into the first round.

One common way to do this is by trading an established star for draft capital, similar to how the Jets acquired their extra picks. If a team has a player it is willing to part with, it can negotiate with a club that holds a surplus of picks to jump back into the 2027 opening night.

Another option is to wait until the 2027 draft begins and trade up from the second round using future picks or current players. While the front office is currently aggressive in its “win-now” mode, NFL rules allow for these types of trades right up until the clock runs out on draft day.

However, it’s the first round the one that matters the most. All top-tier talent is usually gone after the first 32 picks. This year, though, there are six teams that have no first-round picks. Each time will have different picks but the same time to select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals have no first round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Conversely, this means there are teams with multiple first-round picks.

Why do these teams have no first-round picks?

The Jaguars traded their 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in a 2025 draft deal to move up to pick Travis Hunter. The Falcons traded their pick to the Los Angeles Rams as part of a package for a 2025 first-round used in OLB James Pearce Jr.

The Packers traded away their pick as a part of the Micah Parsons deal. The Colts traded their first-rounder to acquire Sauce Gardner. As for the Broncos, their first pick was traded to the Dolphins for WR Jaylen Waddle. Lastly, the Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to the Giants to acquire Dexter Lawrence.

Can these teams still have something to say?

Not having picks doesn’t mean that these six teams won’t play a part. It’s been heavily rumored that the 2026 NFL Draft will feature plenty of trades. Hence, don’t discard any of these teams jumping in and being a part of draft day if they see the opportunity to enhance their roster.

Per a report by James Palmer, the Colts are officially shooting for a Week 1 return, though they will let Jones’ body dictate the final timeline. This follows a 2025 season where Jones threw for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns with a 100.2 passer rating before suffering a torn Achilles in December.

The Colts‘ optimism is a welcome sign for the veteran quarterback as he enters the first year of his new two-year extension. By avoiding a rigid schedule, Indianapolis aims to ensure their starter is fully healthy to build on last year’s performance once the 2026 season kicks off.

What if Jones can’t return for Week 1?

If Jones isn’t cleared by the opener, the starting job likely falls to Riley Leonard. The second-year quarterback out of Notre Dame posted a 67.7 passer rating during the 2025 season and has the mobility to thrive in Shane Steichen’s system.

Behind Leonard, the depth chart gets complicated due to the ongoing trade rumors surrounding Anthony Richardson. While Richardson’s physical tools are elite, his 50.6% career completion rate and injury history have led the front office to keep other options like Seth Henigan ready.

The Colts’ primary goal is to maintain offensive rhythm through a “next man up” mentality while Jones finishes his rehab. Whether it’s Leonard or a veteran addition, the scheme will focus on protecting the ball and leaning on the run game to stay competitive in the AFC South.

According to Mike Chappell of FOX59, “Sarratt might be the type of prospect on Ballard’s radar, perhaps in round 3.” And it makes sense. As Chappell pointed out, the team’s priority are pass rusher and an NFL-ready linebacker. However, the Colts don’t have a first-rounder, so come round three, Sarratt could change the plans.

The Colts’ first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft comes with the 47th overall selection. Then, they have the 78th pick in the third round. That could be Sarratt, unless there’s a linebacker that the Colts are enamored with.

Sarratt’s stock could actually be higher

Projected as a mid-to-late Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Sarratt could easily be the sleeper pick of this class. At 6’2″, 211 lbs, Sarratt is considered a high-floor, physical receiver with plenty of contested-catch ability. While not regarded as a top-tier route runner, he does have ability in that regard.

His NFL comp could be Keenan Allen, and after winning the National Championship with Indiana, his stock should have been elevated. He also recorded a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. In his breakout season with the Hoosiers, he had 830 yards with 15 touchdowns on 65 receptions.

Sarratt would fit perfectly with the Colts

Just as Pittman was, Sarratt would bring reliability, strong hands, and big body to target on the middle of the field. However, Sarratt also brings verticality and the ability to be used as an outside-the-numbers threat.

Also, having played at Indiana, he already has local ties to the city. The Colts would love to keep him home. He would arguably become a starter from Day 1, alongside Alec Pierce and Josh Downs.

Nussmeier spoke with NFL Network. “I’ve got a lot of stuff coming up. I’ve got the Jets coming in the next couple of days here. I’ve got the Rams coming into town. I’m heading out to Indianapolis.”

The Jets worked out Carson Beck and Drew Allar, as well as preparing to host Ty Simpson. Now, Nussmeier is up next. Nussmeier was at LSU and has been looking good in drills, so there is quite a chance he manages to impress the Jets too.

Is Nussmeier a good prospect?

Nussmeier has a gunslinger mentality thanks to his strong arm. However, he is also accurate and tough. During 2024 when he was fully healthy, he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. The ab injury really limited last season.

Nussmeier is somewhat undersized though, standing at 6-foot-2. Given that he is a pocket-passer, teams like the Rams, Jets, and Colts might worry a bit about how good Nussmeier sees the field.

Nussmeier’s draft projection

A typical ‘Day 2 prospect‘, Nussmeier is expected to go either in the second or third round. Hence, he could be competing head to head against the likes of Drew Allar and Carson Beck regarding his draft position.

During Week 14 of last season, in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones suffered a severe Achilles heel injury, which brought to an end what had been a great campaign for the QB.

Over a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the former New York Giants player shared interesting details about his recovery: “My goal is to be ready to go for week one…I’m planning on being out there to start the season.”

The Indianapolis Colts aim to replicate what they achieved last season, at least the first half, which was more than satisfactory. Will Daniel Jones be the one to deliver the big impact this year?

Daniel Jones’ numbers in 2025

Before his season-ending injury, Daniel Jones was putting together a career-best campaign in Indianapolis, leading the Colts to a strong 8-2 start. In 13 games, he completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions, posting a career-high 100.2 passer rating.

He also remained a dual-threat weapon in Shane Steichen’s offense, contributing 164 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground before his Achilles tear in December.