Anthony Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick, might have wanted a ticket out of Indianapolis this offseason, but his agent recently threw a bucket of cold water on those trade hopes for the 2026 NFL season.
The Colts’ Stance: No Trade Talk Here
Deiric Jackson, Richardson’s agent, spoke with Jonathan Jones of The Athletic and didn’t mince words. “[Colts general manager] Chris [Ballard] has made it abundantly clear Anthony is gonna be here. I don’t think I have to call him and say hey it’s off the table. I think it’s understood. And the Colts are going to do what’s in the best interest of the Colts,” Jackson said. Talk about a blunt message from the front office, right? This isn’t just some rumor floating around; this is his agent confirming the Colts are holding tight. Remember, this whole situation kicked off before the 2025 season when the Colts signed Daniel Jones in free agency and then named him the starter over Richardson.
A Rough Road for Richardson
Richardson’s 2025 season was a total wash, partly because of Jones’ arrival and due to a fractured orbital bone. The dude didn’t see any game action all of last season, which is brutal for a young QB. Back in February, Jackson actually told ESPN’s Stephen Holder that the Colts had given Richardson permission to seek a trade. But, nothing ever came of it. He stayed on the roster through training camp and preseason, and now he’s the QB2 behind Jones. It’s his contract year in 2026, meaning he can sign elsewhere as a free agent next offseason. But after missing a whole season and with some shaky early career numbers, his value in the market is totally up in the air.
What’s Next for the Young QB?
Let’s be real, Jones is coming off a torn Achilles suffered last December, so Richardson being QB2 isn’t just a formality. If anything happens to Jones, Richardson is the man up. But his career stats haven’t exactly screamed “future franchise QB” so far. In 17 career games, including 15 starts, he’s got an 8-7 record, completing just 50.6 percent of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He has shown some flashes with his legs, though, rushing for 634 yards and 10 scores. Maybe the Colts’ hardline stance could soften as the trade deadline gets closer, especially if Jones looks fully recovered and solid. But for right now, it looks like Richardson is playing out his contract right there in Indy. It’s a tough spot for a guy who wants a fresh start.
What happens between now and the trade deadline is anyone’s guess, but Richardson is locked in as the backup for now. He’ll be watching Daniel Jones closely, ready to step in. His performance in any potential game action will be huge for his free agency prospects next offseason. This is a critical year for the 24-year-old quarterback.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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