When the Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they undoubtedly expected him to be the team’s franchise quarterback. Now, however, it sounds like Richardson might not even be the team’s backup, and he’s already requested a trade from the team – though it doesn’t sound like that request is going to be granted.
As the Colts begin their preseason preparation, Richardson finds himself in a battle with Riley Leonard for the team’s backup quarterback spot. Both quarterbacks are expected to get a chance to play against the New England Patriots this Thursday as the battle continues. While it’s not clear which quarterback is going to win the battle, one interesting storyline is that it comes as Richardson requested a trade from the team at the beginning of the offseason.
That said, it didn’t sound like the team was necessarily adamant about trading the former first-round pick
“I’m not gonna say he needs a complete fresh start,” Ballard said at the Scouting Combine back in February. “Anthony’s still young. He’s still developing. So we’ll see what the future holds. But I still believe in Anthony.”
Ballard said at the start of camp that the team doesn’t intend to trade Richardson, but Richardson admitted that he doesn’t exactly know the status of the trade situation himself.
“I haven’t really even talked to my agent about that recently,” Richardson said, via James Boyd of The Athletic. “I haven’t talked to Ballard or anybody about that recently. I’m not necessarily sure what’s going on. But I’m just here right now, trying to make sure I can stamp my foot on this team and be the best version of myself I can be for the team.”
Richardson even acknowledged the possibility that he could be the third quarterback on the depth chart this fall if that’s how things shake out.
“If that’s what the team wants, that’s what I want,” Richardson said. “I just want go be able to help a team. If it’s this team, then I thank God for it. I’m just ready to showcase what I can do and be a winning piece to help the team win.”
In his three seasons with the Colts, Richardson completed just 50.6 percent of his 350 pass attempts for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, though he’s also added 630 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground on 115 attempts.
We’ll have to see what his role with the team is moving forward.
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