It seems like there’s some confusion surrounding Anthony Richardson and his potential move from the Indianapolis Colts to the Pittsburgh Steelers. As of April 2025, there is no official announcement or credible sources supporting the claim that Richardson has signed a $250 million, six-year contract with the Steelers or any other team. In fact, this rumor contradicts Richardson’s current contract and the ongoing relationship he has with the Colts. Let’s break down why this move seems highly unlikely.
The Current Situation with Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 as the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Richardson’s raw talent as a quarterback, particularly his mobility and arm strength, made him a highly anticipated prospect. His transition into the NFL has been a work in progress, but the Colts were optimistic about his future as their franchise quarterback. Richardson signed a four-year rookie contract worth $33.99 million, with a $21.72 million signing bonus. This contract is fully guaranteed, which means the Colts are financially committed to Richardson for the duration of his rookie deal, unless a trade occurs.
The potential for a fifth-year option in 2028 gives the Colts the flexibility to extend his contract for one more season, though that decision would be contingent on Richardson’s development and performance. At this point, there is no indication from the Colts that they are looking to move on from Richardson. In fact, his progress was closely monitored throughout his rookie season and the Colts have expressed their belief that he’s a vital part of their future.
The $250 Million Contract
Rumors about Richardson signing a massive contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers are unfounded. To start with, Richardson’s contract with the Colts runs through 2027, with an option for 2028, meaning he’s still under team control for several more years. In addition, the Colts are in a position to either develop Richardson further or exercise their option to extend him, depending on his growth and performance on the field.
The $250 million figure is significant and represents the kind of money typically seen in mega-deals for elite quarterbacks in their prime. However, Richardson, though talented, is still in the early stages of his development. His rookie season was marked by some growing pains, including struggles with consistency and accuracy. While he’s undoubtedly a player with high potential, it’s unlikely that a team like the Steelers, or any other NFL franchise, would commit such a massive amount to a player who has yet to prove himself on a consistent basis at the professional level.
Richardson’s Status with the Colts
The Colts are reportedly committed to Richardson, despite some early struggles during his rookie season. In fact, the Colts have been careful with Richardson’s development, often tailoring the offense to his strengths. However, in October 2024, Richardson found himself in a situation where he admitted to being too fatigued to continue during a game against the Houston Texans. This led to his benching in favor of veteran Joe Flacco, which raised concerns about Richardson’s ability to handle the rigors of a full NFL season.
Despite this setback, the Colts have not indicated any interest in moving on from Richardson. They understand the importance of giving young quarterbacks time to grow and develop, and Richardson has the tools to become a long-term solution for the team. The Steelers’ interest in acquiring him doesn’t seem plausible at this point, especially given the fact that Richardson is under contract with the Colts for several more years.
Conclusion
While rumors of Anthony Richardson’s departure from the Colts for a massive contract with the Steelers may be intriguing, they are, at best, speculative. The reality is that Richardson’s contract with the Colts is still in its early stages, and there’s no indication that the team plans to part ways with him anytime soon. Furthermore, the $250 million deal being speculated upon is far out of line with Richardson’s current status as a developing quarterback. It’s more likely that the Colts will continue to develop Richardson into a franchise quarterback over the coming seasons, rather than entertaining offers from other teams.
In conclusion, unless new and verifiable information surfaces, the idea of Anthony Richardson leaving the Colts to sign a $250 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers is not based on any factual basis and should be treated as speculation at best.