Colts seem happy to keep QB Anthony Richardson

It seems increasingly likely that quarterback Anthony Richardson is going to remain a member of the Indianapolis Colts for the 2026 season, and that no trade is going to come together.

Colts assistant manager Ed Dodds said on Sunday that the team has to prioritize itself, and that quarterback depth is going to be important for them going into this season. He said they want three quarterbacks that can play on the roster, and that if Richardson ends up being one of them, they are prepared for that to be the case.

Colts seem happy to keep quarterback Anthony Richardson

The Colts selected Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in the hopes that he could solve what has been a revolving door of failed starting quarterback options. 

It has not worked out as planned.

Richardson has struggled to stay healthy and has not fully developed every aspect of his game. While he possesses great running ability, a fearless mindset and one of the game's best arms, his accuracy on the shorter and intermediate routes, as well as his consistency, have remained issues. 

All of that led to veteran quarterback Daniel Jones taking over the starting job in 2025, and then playing well enough to earn a multi-year contract extension this offseason. 

Seeing that his starting role was gone, and after the team declined to pick up his fifth-year option, Richardson requested a trade in February, while the Colts gave him permission to talk to other teams in the hopes of finding a deal.

No deal ever came together.

To Richardson's credit, he has been a true pro about the whole situation, has reported to camp, said all of the right things, and seems to be working as a good teammate. Whether that's just his mindset or the realization that there was not much of a market for him, it is what the Colts need.

Quarterback depth was a big problem for the Colts in 2025 as injuries sidelined both Richardson and Jones, resulting in the team having to bring Philip Rivers out of retirement to play down the stretch. The injuries played a big role in the Colts going from a 7-1 record after eight games to losing eight of their final nine games down the stretch (including seven in a row to close the season) to finish with an 8-9 record and miss the playoffs entirely.