Anthony Richardson Wants Out and the Colts' QB Room Is Falling Apart

The Indianapolis Colts have a quarterback problem, and it's only getting messier. Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, has made it crystal clear he wants a trade out of town. The problem? Nobody's biting yet, and the Colts aren't exactly in a rush to give him away.

"We've had some calls, but nothing's come to fruition at this time," Colts GM Chris Ballard said Monday. "So at this point he's still an Indianapolis Colt." That doesn't sound like a guy about to move his star quarterback anytime soon, especially when the roster situation is this fragile.

Richardson's injury issues and Daniel Jones complicate everything

Richardson expressed his desire to be traded after the Colts retained Daniel Jones, but here's the catch: Jones is coming back from a season-ending Achilles injury with no guarantees. Meanwhile, Richardson is still recovering from a freak eye injury that wiped out his entire 2025 season. Ballard did confirm Richardson has been cleared for football activity, but the uncertainty around both quarterbacks is real.

The Colts are banking on the idea that holding onto Richardson makes sense if no attractive trade alternative emerges before training camp this summer. Both guys have shown they can't stay healthy, so maybe keeping a proven asset in the pocket is the smart play. Or maybe it's just damage control.

The depth chart is a disaster waiting to happen

Let's be honest: the Colts' quarterback depth is a mess. Richardson has started just 15 games in three seasons, plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He didn't play at all last year. Riley Leonard, a sixth-round pick in 2025, started one game last season after the Colts were already eliminated from playoff contention. That's your backup plan.

So here's the reality: one quarterback wants out, one is recovering from a major injury, and the third needs offseason reps to become anything close to a suitable backup. The clarity at the position? Non-existent. Ballard has work to do before training camp, whether that's making a deal for Richardson or somehow salvaging what's left of this QB carousel.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.