In a surprising turn of events, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has requested a trade after losing the starting position to Daniel Jones. As of now, the Colts have yet to find a trade partner for Richardson, who was the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
General Manager Chris Ballard has expressed confidence in Riley Leonard, a promising second-year quarterback, as a potential backup. Leonard, a 2025 sixth-round pick, impressed many with his performance against one of the league's top defenses in the regular-season finale.
Ballard praised Leonard, noting, "The game wasn’t too big for him. That’s what I like the most."
Richardson's future with the Colts remains uncertain. Initially drafted to be the team's quarterback of the future, he opened his first two seasons as the starter.
However, after losing a training camp battle to Jones, the Colts have firmly committed to Jones as their starter. With no clear path back to the starting job, Richardson is seeking a fresh start.
Ballard acknowledged the trade request, stating, "He asked for a trade. We’ll see what happens."
Despite the uncertainty, the Colts haven't found a trade partner yet, as teams around the league have been filling out their quarterback rosters. If a trade doesn't materialize, Richardson could return for the final year of his rookie deal, although releasing him would incur $5 million in dead money.
Richardson's journey in the NFL has been marred by injuries. His rookie season ended prematurely due to shoulder surgery, and subsequent injuries hindered his progress.
A freak accident involving a resistance band further complicated his situation, leading to lingering visual issues. Despite these setbacks, Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon praised Richardson's resilience and growth, highlighting his immense talent and potential.
The Colts still believe in Richardson's potential, but with Jones as the established starter, the team is looking at Leonard as a viable backup option. Leonard's development has been impressive, and Ballard noted his mechanical transformation and dedication to improving his game.
If Richardson remains with the Colts, the team faces a decision regarding the backup quarterback role. Leonard is poised to step into the No. 2 spot behind Jones, although Ballard hasn't ruled out adding another quarterback to the roster. As the situation unfolds, the Colts are keeping their options open, with Leonard earning the team's confidence and respect.