PHOENIX — The prospects of Quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. remaining with the Indianapolis Colts appear uncertain, at best, considering recent developments.
Nevertheless, general manager Chris Ballard on Monday refrained from dismissing the possibility of Richardson — the fourth overall selection in the 2023 draft — staying with the Colts in 2026 when questioned about the matter at the NFL annual assembly.
When asked if there existed a situation where Richardson might continue with Indianapolis, Ballard responded, “Absolutely, a scenario is definitely present. He’s a commendable individual and gifted. I mean, I still wish Anthony well, truly. I still believe he possesses considerable potential. He’s encountered some truly unfortunate circumstances, but I still think Anthony holds significant capability, and he is maturing and developing. He’s still quite young.”
“Whenever you select a quarterback at such an elevated position … the expectations are challenging to fulfill, regardless of who you are.”
During the scouting combine, Ballard held discussions with Richardson’s agent, granting permission for both the agent and his client to engage with rival teams concerning a prospective trade. No deal is imminent, and it remains unclear whether one will materialize. A source informed ESPN that the Green Bay Packers are among the franchises showing the most interest, given their unsettled backup quarterback position.
However, Richardson’s tenure in Indianapolis has become less definite in recent months. The organization’s dedication to Daniel Jones as the primary starter for the foreseeable future signifies that Richardson cannot contend for the starting role. Furthermore, 2025 rookie Riley Leonard is now regarded as a viable secondary quarterback due to his advancement in practice and his sole start in Week 18 against the Houston Texans.
Ballard’s intentions regarding Richardson might have been disclosed when he stated his continued openness to the concept of acquiring another quarterback, in light of Jones’ recuperation from a torn Achilles tendon. The Colts maintain an optimistic outlook on Jones’ recovery timeline, yet it remains plausible he might not be prepared to commence play in Week 1. The notion of bringing in an additional quarterback would not make sense if Richardson were already part of the team roster at the season’s outset.
In other news, Ballard addressed his own prospects, which have been a significant topic of discussion among the team’s supporters. Ballard, appointed in 2017, is entering the concluding year of his agreement and is not anticipated to receive an extension prior to the season. Following merely a single postseason win during his time and five consecutive years missing the playoffs, proprietor Carlie Irsay-Gordon has articulated her anticipation of advancement in 2026.
Will this compel Ballard to enact a drastic alteration in his methodology out of desperation?
“I do not base my judgments on my employment status,” he asserted. “I would not undertake such an action for the franchise. That is not the appropriate course for the organization. One endeavors to make sound, rational decisions that are perceived to be in the long-term optimal interest of the franchise. I would proceed in this manner whether I had a five-year agreement before me or were in the final week of my current arrangement.”
“I desire success for the Indianapolis Colts. Understood? And eventually, my period at this location will conclude, and that is simply part of the process, and that is acceptable. When they inform me I am not the suitable individual for the position and I am not competent enough for it, we will confront that. But I remain as self-assured as I have ever been. I still have faith in our practices.”