Anthony Richardson Trade Update, Colts GM Says QB Has 'Had Some Freaking Bad Luck' amid Rumors

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard suggested Monday that quarterback Anthony Richardson getting traded prior to the 2026 season is not a foregone conclusion.

When asked at the NFL annual league meeting whether there is a scenario where Richardson could remain with the Colts, Ballard told reporters, "There's definitely a scenario there. He's a good dude and he's talented. I mean, I still want good for Anthony, man. I still think he's got a lot in him. He's had some freaking bad luck, but I still think Anthony has got a lot of ability and he's maturing and growing. He's still young. Anytime you take a quarterback that high ... the expectations, it's hard to live up to them no matter who you are."

Richardson lost the starting quarterback competition with Daniel Jones before the 2025 season, and despite Jones tearing his Achilles in Week 14, the Colts signed him to a two-year, $88 million contract this offseason, meaning they intend to move forward with him as the starter.

According to ESPN's Stephen Holder, the Colts gave Richardson's agent permission to seek a trade following a meeting at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, no deal is imminent, and it is unknown if one will come to fruition.

Holder added that the Green Bay Packers are one of the teams believed to be most interested in Richardson due to their need for a backup behind Jordan Love after Malik Willis signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency.

ESPN's Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday that there were no real conversations between the Packers and Colts on Richardson:

Originally selected fourth overall by the Colts in the 2023 NFL draft out of Florida, Richardson has not come close to reaching his immense potential.

Richardson went 2-2 in four starts as a rookie before a shoulder injury cut his season short, and he temporarily lost his starting job to veteran Joe Flacco in 2024 before regaining it. Richardson went 6-5 as a starter last season.

Due to a combination of Jones winning the starting job and Richardson fracturing his orbital bone, the 23-year-old signal-caller barely played last season.

He saw action in just two games, going 1-of-2 for nine yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, and rushing four times for a loss of one yard.

For his career, Richardson has struggled as a passer, completing just 50.6 percent of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

He has been far more effective using his legs, rushing for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns on 115 attempts.

Richardson is mobile, possesses one of the strongest arms in the NFL and has prototypical size to boot at 6'4" and 244 pounds.

All of those attributes have not translated to NFL success, though, and all signs point toward him being a backup again in 2026 whether it is with the Colts or a different team.

From the Colts' perspective, keeping Richardson may be the best course of action since his trade value is at an all-time low, and he could provide insurance in the event that Jones does not bounce back from a torn Achilles as well as expected.