Colts make very interesting Anthony Richardson decision for preseason Week 1

Oct 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) walks off the field after their win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts are heading into the 2026 NFL season with an interesting quarterback room for a few different reasons.

Daniel Jones' and his recovery from a significant injury are big storylines, but so is the future of Anthony Richardson, their former No. 4 overall selection, who might not be on the roster come Week 1 of the regular season.

But, for the first week of the preseason, Joel A. Erickson of IndyStar is reporting that the Colts have decided to name Richardson the preseason Week 1 starter, with Riley Leonard set to start the second half.

Colts make interesting Anthony Richardson preseason decision

"Anthony Richardson will start against New England and play the first half; Riley Leonard will get the second half," Erickson reports. "Leonard gets the first half against Atlanta, Richardson gets the second."

This quarterback plan for the Colts is very interesting, especially considering the trade rumors surrounding Richardson this offseason.

While the Colts are not going to simply cut ties with Richardson, as the 2023 first-rounder still holds some value as a trade chip, they haven't shown any indication that he has a chance of starting for the Colts anytime soon.

Jones is the team's starting QB for 2026, assuming he's healthy and good to go. So, by starting Richardson, who has asked for a trade, in the first week of the preseason, they're giving him a chance to prove his worth.

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If Richardson plays well, he could spark other NFL teams to have interest and make the Colts a trade offer that actually moves the needle.

Even if Richardson looks great, it's hard to imagine the Colts getting anything better than a Day 3 draft pick. A fourth-rounder might be the absolute most they could get for Richardson, and that's probably a bit too optimistic of a trade value as well.

But, regardless of what the Colts do with Richardson in the trade front, seeing him in live game action during the first preseason game is going to be very interesting.

This is his chance to prove he deserves another opportunity in the NFL, and if he struggles, there could be some real tough questions about his future with the team and in the NFL.

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