Colts GM Chris Ballard Shares Update on Anthony Richardson Trade Talks

Ballard says 'nothing has materialized' in the search for a trade partner for the former first-round QB.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, creating a sense of dynamic movement and uncertainty.The Colts' quarterback situation remains in flux as they navigate the future of former first-round pick Anthony Richardson.Indianapolis Today

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard addressed the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Anthony Richardson's future, saying the team continues to explore trade possibilities but has not yet found a suitable deal. Ballard praised Richardson's professionalism and growth, even as he lost the starting job to Daniel Jones, who had a breakout 2025 season. The Colts remain patient in their search for the right trade partner, prioritizing value and fit over speed.

Why it matters

The Colts' handling of the Richardson situation will have significant implications for their quarterback depth chart and long-term plans. After selecting Richardson with the 4th overall pick in 2024, the team must now determine the best path forward, whether that's finding a trade partner or keeping him as a backup to Jones.

The details

Ballard said the Colts have been in communication with Richardson's representation as they explore potential landing spots, but nothing has materialized at this point. The team remains open to a trade, but Ballard emphasized they will not force a deal and will prioritize value and fit over speed. Richardson, once viewed as the franchise's long-term answer at QB, has battled injuries and inconsistency, opening the door for Jones to take control of the offense.

  • In March 2026, Ballard addressed the Richardson trade situation at the NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix.

The players

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, who is overseeing the team's handling of the Anthony Richardson trade situation.

Anthony Richardson Sr.

The former 4th overall pick by the Colts in 2024, who has lost the starting quarterback job to Daniel Jones and is now the subject of trade talks.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback, who had a breakout 2025 season and solidified his hold on the position.

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What they’re saying

“We'll see. I got with his agent … nothing has materialized at this point. So, we'll see what happens going forward. I'm proud of Anthony. He's had some bad luck, unfortunately.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts

“Anthony is a good young man, he's a good teammate. When he didn't win the job, that was kind of one of the cool things that came out of it. Watching him learn and be an unbelievable teammate, that was fun to watch.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts

What’s next

The Colts will continue to monitor the quarterback market and evaluate potential trade options for Richardson as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. They remain open to a deal, but will prioritize finding the right fit and value over a quick resolution.

The takeaway

The Colts' handling of the Anthony Richardson situation highlights the challenges of managing a former high draft pick who has struggled to secure the starting job. While the team remains patient and respectful of Richardson's professionalism, they must now determine the best path forward, whether that's finding a trade partner or keeping him as a backup to Daniel Jones.