Are the Colts and Anthony Richardson heading towards a split? Is there a market for trades? What comes next?

INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Richardson arrived at Indianapolis Colts headquarters the day after the 2023 NFL draft buoyed by optimism and the confidence that comes with being the fourth selection.

The Colts were saying, both in words and actions, that they believed he would become their franchise quarterback. And when coach Shane Steichen named him their opening day starter after Richardson had played just one quarter of preseason football, the Colts seemed to reinforce that they were committed to going on an unpredictable ride with their talented but inexperienced 21-year-old draft pick.

Now, just 2½ years later, those days feel like ancient history.

The Colts on Tuesday named Daniel Jones their Week 1 starter, bringing to a conclusion a tight position battle between Jones and Richardson — two former top-10 picks with mixed histories.

The news opens the door for Jones, the former New York Giants quarterback, to rejuvenate his career on a team with a solid roster. But for Richardson, it’s a potentially devastating blow to his future with the franchise and leaves multiple questions about where he goes from here.

Colts reporter Stephen Holder and national reporter Jeremy Fowler break it down:

Joe Flacco last season before returning to Richardson two games later. It’s difficult to envision the Colts making any sort of commitment to a player after twice opting to play someone else. — Holder

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What would the market be if the Colts looked to trade Richardson?

It’s tricky for potential trade suitors to assess because this is so fresh, and the Colts likely want to keep him. But those consulted Tuesday night agree he would have some market.

«It’s hard to say — the play and the injuries have been bad enough that it’s a hard one, but if a team had a real need and since he has plenty of team control left [under contract until at least 2026], he should have something,» an AFC executive said.

Another NFL personnel administrator mentioned Trey Lance as a potential comp from a situational standpoint — a shaky quarterback outlook after two years with the team that drafted him in the top five. Lance netted a fourth-round pick for San Francisco in a trade with Dallas. And Richardson has a higher ceiling.

But this is a supply-and-demand issue: The Saints are the lone team without a starting quarterback, and they are close to naming one. — Fowler

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How did Jones beat Richardson for the starting spot?

Steichen emphasized the decision was based more on the nuances of playing the position, like «the operation at the line of scrimmage, the checks, the protection, the ball placement, the completion percentage.»

Sam Ehlinger. But so far, his daughters do not seem prone to similar moves. — Holder

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The Colts drafted former Notre Dame standout Riley Leonard in the sixth round. He figures to make the roster at final cuts as the No. 3 quarterback, but he appears to be a long way from getting consideration as a starter. Leonard has completed 19 of 36 passes for 156 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in two preseason games, playing almost exclusively against backups.

It’s presumed the plan was to use 2025 as a developmental year for Leonard. So, in the hypothetical scenario of a Richardson trade, it’s possible the Colts will look elsewhere for a No. 2 quarterback. — Holder