The Indianapolis Colts don’t have a quarterback quandary atop the position’s depth chart, with the AFC South franchise expected to have Daniel Jones under center come Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. But there is intrigue behind Jones, with Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard still battling for the chief backup role.
Richardson requested a trade earlier in the offseason, but the Colts don’t seem interested in trading the former Florida Gators star quarterback, with Indianapolis assistant general manager Ed Dodds recently implying the team prefers QB depth security over trading Richardson.
On Saturday, Richardson shared his thoughts on his future with the Colts in response to Dodds’ remark.
“I’m just looking forward to helping the team,” Richardson said following the Colts’ 34-6 preseason loss at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., via James Boyd of The Athletic.
“They truly believe that I have a chance to be on this squad and I love that. I just want to be able to contribute, put my best foot forward and help the team win.”
Anthony Richardson Sr. on assistant GM ED Dodds’ comments and if he expects to be with the #Colts in 2026:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 22, 2026
“Just looking forward to help the team. If they truly believe that I still have a chance to be on this squad, then I’d love that. I just want to be able to contribute …” https://t.co/JsPIVJD7UO pic.twitter.com/gmuV663N4f
There is no certainty that Richardson will spend the entire 2026 NFL season with the Colts, as a trade remains a possibility despite Dodds’ statement.
In addition, Richardson doesn’t have a contract in 2027 and beyond, so unless the Colts sign him to a new deal, he’ll continue hearing his name in trade rumors. Indianapolis decided to decline its fifth-year option on Richardson, who’s yet to live up to the hype that followed him when he was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
It also doesn’t look like he’s winning the QB2 battle against Leonard, who started in the Falcons game.
In 17 games so far in his NFL career, Richardson has passed for just 2,400 yards and 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions on a 50.6% completion rate.
