Anthony Richardson Announces Update Amid Intensifying Trade Rumors

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Anthony Richardson Announces Update Amid Intensifying Trade Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Aug 9, 2026 6:10 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts are working through training camp with plenty of questions still surrounding their quarterback room. Shane Steichen enters his fourth season as head coach looking to build on a 2025 campaign that saw Daniel Jones win the starting job over Anthony Richardson, a competition few expected heading into last summer.

Richardson, the team's first-round pick in 2023, won the starting role as a rookie and kept it through his second season before losing the job last year. He is now competing with Riley Leonard for the backup spot behind Jones.

That competition has played out against the backdrop of a trade request Richardson made back in February, one that has never been formally resolved. His recovery from an eye injury added another complication to an already unsettled situation.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) participates in a drill on day two of training camp.Robert Goddin-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

When Richardson met with reporters Sunday, he was asked directly about where that request stands. The 24-year-old said he has not recently been in touch with either his agent, Deiric Jackson, or Colts general manager Chris Ballard on the matter, h/t James Boyd of The Athletic.

"I haven't really even talked to my agent about it recently. I haven't talked to (Chris) Ballard," Richardson said. "So, I'm not necessarily sure what's going on with that, but I'm just here right now and trying to make sure I can, you know, stand my foot on this team and be the best version of myself I can be for the team."

#Colts QB Anthony Richardson Sr.:

“I haven’t really even talked to my agent about (the trade request) recently. I haven’t talked to (Chris) Ballard … I’m not necessarily sure what’s going on. But I’m just here right now, trying to make sure I can stamp my foot on this team. …” pic.twitter.com/foSqwKKf4R
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 9, 2026

Richardson's long-term future in Indianapolis remains uncertain, and a trade is still very much on the table.

Thursday's preseason opener against the New England Patriots could end up being his final appearance in a Colts uniform. Richardson and Leonard are expected to split snaps in that game, though Steichen has not said which of the two will get the start.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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