Colts GM Chris Ballard provides update on QB Anthony Richardson’s trade market
Colts GM Chris Ballard indicated noting appears imminent on an Anthony Richardson trade, but it would be surprising if he’s still on the team come the 2026 season.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts walks the sidelines during the NFL 2025 game between Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images On ‘Up and Adams’ with host Kay Adams, at the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard indicated that while ascending 4th-year quarterback Anthony Richardson is available for trade, ‘nothing has materialized at this point’: Colts GM Chris Ballard says trading QB Anthony Richardson is on the table, but "nothing's materialized at this point" @heykayadams pic. twitter.
com/sXEX6zbVvy — Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 30, 2026 In late February, it was reported that the Colts had granted Richardson and his representation permission to seek a potential trade . While there have been a number of rumored interested suitors, including the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Commanders among them, it appears as none of those teams have offered anything meaningful enough to compel the Colts to trade Richardson at this point. Richardson carries a $10.
816M cap hit in 2026, but the Colts could save $5,385,549 if the former 4th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft is traded this offseason. Even though Richardson has been limited by a myriad of injuries and some naivety off-the-field, he’s still only 23-years-old and is an elite athlete at the quarterback position with speed, strength, athleticism, and a rocket arm. However, in addition to staying healthy, Richardson has to improve his passing accuracy and touch.
Given that re-signed starting quarterback Daniel Jones hasn’t exactly been an ‘iron man’ in his NFL career to-date, having been oft-injured formerly with the New York Giants and after suffering a fractured fibula and season-ending Achilles with the Colts late last year, and it’s not a bad idea for Indianapolis to have extra depth at the league’s most important position. After suffering the Achilles injury in Week 14 of last year, while he and his camp remain optimistic, it’s not a guarantee that Jones will be fully recovered by next season’s regular season opener either. 2nd-year quarterback Riley Leonard has made just one career start, and while he was impressive in last year’s regular season finale against the Houston Texans and their stingy defense, that defense also rested key starters in the second half after finding out they couldn’t win the division anymore.