When might Colts, Anthony Richardson Sr. agree a trade is best move?

Trade rumors surrounding Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. resurfaced after a recent report suggested he may want to "reset," potentially under Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, ahead of the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline.

For a mailbag published on Friday, The Athletic's James Boyd addressed the chatter that seemingly isn't going away as long as Daniel Jones continues to win as Indianapolis' QB1. 

Has Colts GM changed mind about trading Anthony Richardson Sr. this fall?

"[Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard] said just before the season that the Colts wouldn’t trade Richardson, and I don’t think that will change during the season," Boyd wrote. "From my perspective, if Richardson wants a change of scenery, it would make sense for him to wait until the end of the year; then he can spend an entire offseason learning a new offense."

A 2023 first-round draft pick, Richardson left much to be desired with his play over his first two pro campaigns. He missed 17 regular-season games due to injury, was temporarily benched in 2024 after he controversially removed himself from a game and had to be shut down from throwing in late May 2025 after he experienced pain in his surgically-repaired shoulder. 

Fair or not, the perception exists that Richardson unofficially lost the starting job to Jones in August after the 23-year-old dislocated his right pinky when he failed to recognize pressure and took a considerable hit in Indianapolis' preseason opener. 

As for Jones, he won his first three starts of the campaign before a 27-20 Week 4 loss to the Rams. Pro Football Reference statistics show that he enters this weekend ranked sixth in the NFL among qualified players with an 80.8 adjusted QBR and eighth with a 103.3 passer rating for the season. 

Does Anthony Richardson Sr. have any future with the Colts? 

"It’s hard for me to see Richardson regaining his status as the starter in Indianapolis if Jones continues to play well," Boyd continued. "At that point, a trade may be best for both parties so that Indianapolis could at least get something in return for Richardson." 

Boyd also pointed out that the Colts can retain Jones' rights for 2026 via the franchise tag if the two parties are unable to agree on a multiyear deal before the new league year begins in March. For now, Jones will look to build upon what he's already achieved this season when 3-1 Indianapolis hosts the 1-3 Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. 

As of Friday afternoon, ESPN BET had the Colts as 6.5-point favorites for that matchup.