Colts decline Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option, setting former No. 4 overall pick up for free agency

Hot Mic Full 4-29

The Indianapolis Colts have declined quarterback Anthony Richardson’s fifth-year option.

Richardson, the team’s No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, is headed for free agency after the 2026 season.

The move was one many viewed as inevitable considering the tumultuous start Richardson has had to his NFL career. 

The Florida product has dealt with a number of injuries and inconsistent play, and the Colts looked outside the organization for quarterback help before the start of the 2025 season.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. warms up before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., on Aug. 7, 2025. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Indy was high on Richardson when it took him with the fourth overall pick of that year’s draft, though there were some who questioned if he was NFL ready right away.

That proved not to be the case. Richardson split time with veteran journeyman Gardner Minshew in 2023, while Joe Flacco eventually took over for him in 2024.

Richardson eventually got his starting spot back over Flacco in 2024, with the Colts announcing he would be the team’s starter the rest of the way.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones runs off the field after a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Oct. 19, 2025. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)

But he was benched prior to Flacco coming in after voluntarily taking himself out of a game for one play, saying he "needed a breather." The move was ridiculed by pundits and fans, and the Colts ultimately made an example of it.

The Colts signed Daniel Jones during the 2025 offseason after the New York