In a surprising turn of events, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has requested a trade after losing the starting job to Daniel Jones. This development leaves the Colts in a bit of a quarterback conundrum, as they navigate their options for the upcoming season.
Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hasn't found a new home yet. The Colts are still on the lookout for a trade partner, but the market is tight, with many teams already set in their quarterback lineups. Meanwhile, Colts General Manager Chris Ballard is showing confidence in second-year quarterback Riley Leonard as a potential backup.
Ballard's faith in Leonard is well-founded. The young quarterback, a 2025 sixth-round pick, turned heads with his performance against one of the league's toughest defenses in the regular-season finale.
Ballard praised Leonard, saying, "The game wasn’t too big for him. That’s what I like the most."
Richardson's journey with the Colts has been anything but smooth. Initially drafted as the quarterback of the future, he started his first two seasons but lost the starting role to Jones after a competitive training camp. With no clear path back to the starting lineup, Richardson sought a fresh start elsewhere.
“He asked for a trade,” Ballard confirmed. “We’ll see what happens.”
The Colts are in a tricky spot, with Richardson's future uncertain. If no trade materializes, Richardson could return for the final year of his rookie deal, though releasing him would incur a $5 million cap hit.
Ballard acknowledged Richardson's talent and potential, despite his injury setbacks. Richardson's NFL journey has been marred by injuries, including a season-ending shoulder surgery in his rookie year and a freak accident that led to a fractured orbital bone. This string of bad luck has hampered his ability to build momentum.
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon expressed pride in Richardson's resilience. “He’s been a good teammate, he’s grown,” she said. Despite the challenges, the Colts still believe in Richardson's potential, with Irsay-Gordon noting, “He totally has the opportunity to have a career in the NFL if he wants to.”
As the Colts look to the future, they're committed to Jones as their starter, leaving Richardson's role in question. Leonard, meanwhile, has shown significant growth, impressing the team with his mechanical improvements and dedication.
Ballard commented on Leonard's development, saying, “He was obsessed with it. It was fun to watch him fall in love with the process.”
If Richardson isn't traded, the Colts will need to decide on their backup quarterback strategy. Leonard appears ready to step into the No. 2 role, though Ballard hasn't ruled out adding another quarterback to the mix.
For now, the Colts are in a holding pattern, waiting to see how the situation unfolds. Whether Richardson finds a new team or returns to Indianapolis, the Colts are poised to adapt and move forward.