Colts GM Provides Update on QB Anthony Richardson's Trade Market

Ballard says 'nothing has materialized' on a deal for the former 4th overall pick.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:48am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a quarterback dropping back to pass, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The Colts' quarterback situation remains in flux as they weigh the future of former 1st-round pick Anthony Richardson.Indianapolis Today

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard indicated that while quarterback Anthony Richardson is available for trade, 'nothing has materialized at this point' despite reported interest from several NFL teams. Richardson, the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is entering his 4th season with the Colts but has been limited by injuries and inconsistency. Ballard is likely trying to maximize Richardson's trade value, but it would be surprising if he's still on the Colts' roster come the 2026 season opener.

Why it matters

The Colts have a decision to make on Richardson's future, as he carries a sizable $10.8 million cap hit in 2026 but the team could save over $5 million by trading him. With starting QB Daniel Jones coming off a season-ending injury, Indianapolis may prefer a more experienced backup to complement 2nd-year QB Riley Leonard.

The details

Richardson, 23, has shown flashes of his elite athleticism and arm strength, but has struggled with accuracy and consistency during his first 3 NFL seasons. The Colts have reportedly received trade interest from several teams, including the Browns, Packers, Rams, and Commanders, but Ballard says 'nothing has materialized' into a deal so far. The Colts could save over $5 million against the cap by trading Richardson this offseason.

  • In Week 14 of the 2025 season, Colts starting QB Daniel Jones suffered a fractured fibula and season-ending Achilles injury.
  • At the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting, Colts GM Chris Ballard provided an update on the Richardson trade market.

The players

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts.

Anthony Richardson

A 23-year-old quarterback who was the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Colts.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' re-signed starting quarterback who suffered a season-ending injury in 2025.

Riley Leonard

The Colts' 2nd-year backup quarterback who made one start in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“While there have been a number of rumored interested suitors, including the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Commanders among them, it appears as none of those teams have offered anything meaningful enough to compel the Colts to trade Richardson at this point.”

— Chris Ballard, Colts General Manager

What’s next

The Colts will continue to evaluate their options with Richardson, but it would be surprising if he's still on the roster come the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Colts face a difficult decision on Anthony Richardson's future, as he has shown promise but also struggled with injuries and inconsistency. With the team needing to provide more experienced depth behind Daniel Jones, a trade could benefit both Richardson and the Colts as they look to build a contender in 2026.