Anthony Richardson trade situation reflects Indianapolis Colts' QB uncertainty

Quarterback Anthony Richardson has made it clear that he wants a trade from the Indianapolis Colts.

Whether or not (and when) that happens remains to be seen.

"We've had some calls, but nothing's come to fruition at this time," Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Monday. "So at this point he's still an Indianapolis Colt."

Ballard also said Richardson is "still recovering a little bit" from a freak eye injury that ended his 2025 season. Ballard added that Richardson has been cleared for football activity.

Richardson expressed his desire to be traded after the Colts retained Daniel Jones, but Ballard is not planning to give away the player drafted fourth overall in 2023.

The Colts are taking into consideration that while Jones is on schedule to return from a season-ending Achilles injury, nothing is guaranteed and the team might be smart to hang onto Richardson if no attractive trade alternative emerges prior to training camp this summer.

Both quarterbacks have had issues staying on the field.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen hinted Tuesday that Jones already has taken big strides in his recovery. He's throwing and working on dropbacks four months after surgery to re-attach his Achilles.

Behind Jones, the Colts are not exactly overflowing with experience at the signal-caller position.

Richardson has started a mere 15 games during the three seasons of his career, a time period plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He did not play last season at all.

Riley Leonard, a sixth-round pick in 2025, started just one game last season, and that was only after the Colts were eliminated from playoff contention.

That leaves the Colts with a lack of clarity at quarterback: One is recovering from a significant injury, one wants a trade out, and a third will be looking for offseason reps to become a suitable backup while the GM works out a deal. Or not.

-Field Level Media