Anthony Richardson Sr. and the Indianapolis Colts have had a horrific situation since the quarterback was drafted with the fourth-overall selection in 2023.

After three brutal seasons, Richardson was allowed to seek a trade. However, this hasn't gone the way the Colts likely wanted, as he remains on the roster without a suitor. This led Indianapolis to decline his fifth-year option, to nobody's surprise .

With Richardson on track to stay on the roster, it gives him the slimmest chance to become the guy under center again.

In this piece, I'll detail a three-step process on how Richardson may end up leading Shane Steichen's offense in the 2026 season, giving him a final chance to prove the doubters wrong.

Step 1: Richardson's Trade Market Has Dried Up

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) hands off the ball Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 40-6.…