Anthony Richardson and the Colts are living apart while they attempt to finalize their divorce.
The starter-turned-backup quarterback is not attending the team’s offseason program while the parties seek a potential exit ramp, according to general manager Chris Ballard.
“Anthony’s not here. He’s also requested a trade,” Ballard said Monday, three days ahead of the first round of 2026 NFL Draft . “He’s down in Jacksonville training. I actually have talked to his trainer, and I talk to him often and his agent, but he’s in good spirits. Nothing has transpired at this point. I don’t know any question you’re going to ask other than, ‘Will he be here?’ Well, he could be. We’ll see. But as of right now, he’s down there in Jacksonville. We’ll kind of work through that as we go.”
Three years ago at this time, it appeared the Colts landed their quarterback of the future when they drafted Richardson with the fourth overall pick.
Now, there are questions about whether Richardson can be a serviceable starter and whether he’ll have that opportunity with another team.
After two uninspiring and injury-riddled seasons to start Richardson’s career, the Colts acquired Daniel Jones last offseason to challenge him for the starting role and the ex-Giant won the competition.
Jones then enjoyed a comeback season before suffering a torn Achilles, while Richardson’s season also ended early due to an orbital fracture.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Jones’ future and him being a free agent this offseason, Richardson and the Colts agreed prior to free agency that the sides would explore a trade.
Indianapolis ultimately re-signed Jones to a two-year, $88 million deal, cementing him as their starter when healthy.
“I’m not going to say he needs a complete fresh start,” Ballard said during the NFL combine in February.
“Anthony’s still young. He’s still developing, so we’ll see what the future holds. I still believe in Anthony.”
Richardson, meanwhile, could be left hoping for the type of opportunity Jones received last year.
His durability and production don’t merit a starting gig, but he has enough raw tools that perhaps a bad team could give him a shot to see whether he can flourish in a new environment.
The Cardinals are in a contract standoff with veteran Jacoby Brissett, and perhaps could take a shot on Richardson should they not draft Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
It’s certainly possible Richardson could be traded during the upcoming three-day draft extravaganza, especially since teams will have better information on their quarterback rooms.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
