Anthony Richardson Trade Rumors: Colts Received Calls, Told Teams QB Is 'Off Limits'

Though he might not be their starter at the moment, the Indianapolis Colts aren't ready to part ways with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Per ESPN's Stephen Holder, the Colts received "multiple inquiries" about Richardson's availability in the days leading up to the trade deadline, but Indianapolis told all interested teams that he's "off limits."

The Colts benched Richardson in favor of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, a decision head coach Shane Steichen said was made because Flacco "gives us the best chance to win right now."

In six games this year, Richardson has 958 passing yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has a league-worst 44.4 completion rate. He played just four games in his rookie year due to injuries, throwing for 577 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Following Richardson's benching and Flacco's elevation to starter, the Colts had one of their worst offensive performances of the season against the Vikings. In a 21-13 loss, Flacco completed 16 of his 27 passes for 179 yards and an interception.

Despite a shaky showing from Flacco, Steichen maintained that he'd be the starter moving forward.

A season ago, Flacco turned the Cleveland Browns season around and led them to the postseason. Indianapolis is hoping for similar results this year from the 39-year-old.

While Richardson's benching prompted questions about whether the Colts were ready to move on from the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, shutting down any interest at the deadline shows they still have hope he can develop into a starter one day.

"I can't predict the future," Steichen said, per Holder. "I really can't. But we're not losing faith in him."

Richardson has had a disappointing start to his career, but Indianapolis and other teams were high on him ahead of the 2023 NFL draft for a reason. He'll continue to try to develop on the bench for now, but will seemingly be handed the reigns to the Colts' offense eventually.