Matt Johnson
When the Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a multi-year extension, it was viewed as a foregone conclusion that former first-round pick Anthony Richardson would be traded this offseason. It now appears another option is on the table.
Speaking to reporters this week at the NFL annual league meeting, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said there’s a “scenario” where the team keeps Richardson into the 2026 season.
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“There’s definitely a scenario there. He’s a good dude and he’s talented. I mean, I still want good for Anthony, man. I still think he’s got a lot in him. He’s had some freaking bad luck, but I still think Anthony has got a lot of ability and he’s maturing and growing.”
Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard on if the team may keep Anthony Richardson
Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, appeared in just two games this past season with 14 combined offensive snaps. In October, he suffered an orbital bone fracture during pregame warmups when a resistance band he was using snapped and struck him in the face.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the Colts granted Richardson’s agent permission to seek a trade. Various reports have connected the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Green Bay Packers to the dual-threat quarterback.
However, Kansas City has since acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Packers are among the teams interested in signing free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to serve as a backup next season.
There may not be as strong of a trade market for Richardson as his representation hoped for, or Indianapolis might not be satisfied with the draft-pick compensation clubs are offering for him. With Jones recovering from a torn Achilles, it’s clearly possible that the Colts keep Richardson through training camp and see if he could be a starting option until Jones is ready.
