Colts Considering Keeping QB Anthony Richardson

GM Chris Ballard says there's a 'scenario' where the former 4th overall pick stays in Indianapolis.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback dropping back to pass, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, white, and burnt orange.The Colts' quarterback situation remains in flux, with Anthony Richardson's future in Indianapolis still uncertain.Indianapolis Today

Despite Anthony Richardson requesting a trade and receiving permission from the Colts to seek one, the team's general manager Chris Ballard said there is 'definitely a scenario' where the 23-year-old quarterback remains in Indianapolis this season. Richardson has drawn little interest on the trade market, and the Colts are not inclined to release him outright as they look to fill the starting QB role while Daniel Jones recovers from an Achilles injury.

Why it matters

The Colts' quarterback situation is in flux, with Jones coming off a major injury and their other options being inexperienced second-year players Riley Leonard and Seth Henigan. Keeping Richardson could provide valuable insurance and competition at the position as the team navigates the upcoming season.

The details

Richardson lost the starting QB job to Daniel Jones last year and missed virtually the entire season due to a freak injury. He has since requested a trade, but the Colts have not found a suitable deal. With Jones recovering from an Achilles tear, the team may need a stopgap starter, and Richardson could fill that role if he stays in Indianapolis.

  • In 2025, Anthony Richardson lost the starting QB job to Daniel Jones.
  • In 2026, Richardson missed virtually the entire season due to a freak injury.
  • In March 2026, Richardson requested a trade from the Colts.

The players

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts.

Anthony Richardson

A 23-year-old quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts who requested a trade but could end up staying with the team.

Daniel Jones

The starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts who is recovering from an Achilles injury.

Riley Leonard

A second-year quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts who has limited playing experience.

Seth Henigan

A second-year quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts who signed a reserve/futures deal with the team.

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What they’re saying

“There's definitely a scenario where he's here.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager

What’s next

The Colts will monitor Daniel Jones' recovery from his Achilles injury and determine if they need to keep Anthony Richardson as an insurance policy or if they can find a suitable trade partner for him.

The takeaway

The Colts' quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Daniel Jones recovering from injury and their other options being unproven. Keeping Anthony Richardson, despite his trade request, could provide valuable depth and competition at the position as the team navigates the upcoming season.