Colts GM makes strong statement about Anthony Richardson Sr. trade rumors

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. has been the subject of trade rumors after head coach Shane Steichen named free-agency signing Daniel Jones the club's Week 1 starter. 

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Colts general manager Chris Ballard attempted to silence the speculation.

"We’re not trading him," Ballard directly said about Richardson, per Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. 

Richardson's agent attracted attention when he said shortly after his 23-year-old client's demotion that "trust" level with the Colts was "at best, questionable right now." However, Steichen insisted that Richardson has been handling the situation "the right way" and has continued "preparing like he’s the starter." 

Richardson has been a disappointment for the Colts since they made him the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He missed 17 regular-season games due to injury over his first two pro campaigns. He was also temporarily benched last fall after it was determined he needed to become "a much more prepared quarterback."

Per Pro Football Reference, Richardson ended the 2024 regular season ranked last in the league among qualified players with a 61.6 passer rating and a 47.7 percent completion percentage. Therefore, some have assumed that the Colts' decision to start Jones for their Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7 indicates that Indianapolis has essentially given up on Richardson.

"It’s easy to say he’s done, and I don’t agree," Ballard said about Richardson on Wednesday, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “I do not agree with that. I think overcoming challenges or obstacles along the way is good for anybody. I’m proud of Anthony, of where he’s at, how far he’s come. He’s come miles."

Steichen has reminded Richardson on multiple occasions that the signal-caller is "one play away from playing" against the Dolphins. That said, Ballard made it clear that he'd like Richardson to continue his development while serving as Jones' primary backup, pending further notice. 

"There's a lot of value in sitting behind a guy that's a professional, and watching, and learning, and growing, and working on the things you need to work on without the pressure of being a starter. There is," Ballard added, per Sports Illustrated's Jared Koch. "There's a lot of good to that."