Colts indicate their current intentions to keep QB Anthony Richardson Sr.

Posted by Admin August 18, 2026 NFL

According to their assistant general manager Ed Dodds, the Indianapolis Colts currently plan on keeping backup quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., as they intend on keeping three quarterbacks and aren’t wanting to detract from their current team (via The Athletic’s James Boyd).

Now, if the Colts had gotten meaningful trade value back in a swap for Richardson Sr., who requested a trade earlier this offseason, then he would realistically be elsewhere right now to that generous suitor. That being said, such a trade doesn’t appear to have materialized, and while a significant quarterback injury could certainly happen, most teams already have their backup quarterback plans in place entering the second week of preseason.

Colts longtime general manager Chris Ballard indicated earlier this offseason that the Colts weren’t simply going to give away Richardson Sr., still believing he has value and upside. To be fair too, their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, is coming off a late season torn Achilles and hasn’t exactly been an ‘NFL ironman’ himself, even dating back to his days as a former franchise quarterback hopeful with the New York Giants.

While he clearly started out rusty, Richardson Sr. actually progressed nicely in his 2026 preseason debut, completing 11 of 14 pass attempts for 145 passing yards and an interception (*which should’ve been caught) to go along with his 53 total rushing yards and rushing touchdown on 6 carries against the New England Patriots. It was that dynamic rushing ability which doesn’t play out as well in Colts camp, but was on full display in this past Thursday night’s exhibition game—with the ability to make plays outside the pocket and downfield.

In contrast, 2nd-year quarterback Riley Leonard, who is Richardson’s competition for the Colts QB2 job behind Jones, had a fairly rough preseason showing in relief during the second half—and with only 1 career start under his belt, could arguably use a bit more seasoning before being anointed Indy’s primary backup quarterback.

Richardson is entering the last year of his rookie contract and clearly is looking for a fresh start elsewhere, but if the Colts can’t get a worthwhile trade return, it makes sense to keep him around for 2026 as their QB2. Given what happened with Jones late last season, you never know when Richardson Sr.’s next opportunity could arise and who knows, perhaps there’s still time to rewrite how his chapter ultimately ends in Indianapolis.