Several NFL clubs have reached out to the Indianapolis Colts about a possible trade for quarterback Anthony Richardson, adding a new wrinkle to one of the league’s most closely followed quarterback situations as roster cuts near.
Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is no longer the face of the Colts’ offense. Daniel Jones has taken over as the starter, and Richardson is now battling rookie Riley Leonard for the backup job.
The Colts have said they intend to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. That stance makes the backup competition more than a formality with the regular season just around the corner.
Richardson previously requested a trade. That request has not been withdrawn.Roster decisions are due Sunday. Teams around the league are still sorting out their quarterback rooms, which has put Richardson’s name back in circulation.
Benjamin Allbright reported that multiple teams have called Indianapolis about Richardson. He listed the former first-round pick among several quarterbacks who could change teams in the coming weeks, with interest levels varying from club to club.
Those conversations do not mean a deal is close. The reports indicate talks are happening, not that Indianapolis is on the verge of moving him.
The Colts have not shown public eagerness to trade Richardson. Assistant general manager Ed Dodds recently explained why the team has been reluctant to deal him.
“We want to have three (QBs) that can play,” Dodds said. “So, if he’s one of them, he’s gonna be here.”
Richardson was asked about those remarks after Indianapolis faced Atlanta in the preseason.
“Just looking forward to help the team,” Richardson said.
“If they truly believe that I still have a chance to be on this squad, then I’d love that. I just want to be able to contribute, put my best foot forward, and help the team win.”
The latest incoming calls sit against that backdrop. Indianapolis has not signaled it is shopping him, even as other front offices check in.
Richardson’s standing with the franchise looks nothing like it did on draft night three years ago. Jones is locked in as the starter. Richardson and Leonard are competing for the No. 2 spot.
Head coach Shane Steichen has not announced a deadline for naming the backup.
Preseason tape has been mixed. Neither Richardson nor Leonard stood out against Atlanta. Richardson looked sharper in an earlier game against New England.
His ability to scramble and keep plays alive still gives Indianapolis a different look than most pocket passers.
Team officials have continued to say they prefer to keep him despite the trade request. The request remains active, but the Colts have not acted like a team desperate to move on.
Richardson’s most recent comments suggest he is ready to stay and compete if that is the organization’s choice.
His regular season sample size remains small. Last year he played two games, completing 1 of 2 passes for 9 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He posted a 62.5 passer rating and a 20.9 QBR.
One preseason game remains, against Detroit. After that, the Colts must finalize the roster.
Any trade would require an offer Indianapolis considers strong enough to part with a former top-five pick who still has athletic upside. Until that happens, Richardson stays in a three-man quarterback room that the front office has repeatedly said it wants to keep intact.
