With the NFL trade deadline fast approaching, an intriguing name is being floated around as a potential trade candidate.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Indianapolis Colts are at least “open” to the idea of trading Anthony Richardson and allowing him to play with a “premier play caller” in hopes of helping him find a longterm home and resurrect his career.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano added there were at least “a couple of teams” wondering if the Colts were open to trading Richardson this past offseason, but the offense’s success so far this season with Daniel Jones at quarterback could at least open the door for a potential move involving the 23-year-old.
When the Colts named Daniel Jones theirs starting quarterback before the season, general manager Chris Ballard shot down any trade speculation regarding Anthony Richardson.
“We’re not trading him,” BallardĀ told reportersĀ on Aug. 27.
It was an understandable position to take at the time. Jones wasn’t exactly a player with a proven track record of success from his six seasons with the New York Giants.
Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, had seen his value plummet over his first two seasons that it would have been virtually impossible to get a decent return for him.
Even though it’s only been four weeks, the Colts can feel good about the state of their offense with Jones under center. They are 3-1, rank fourth in points per game and even held their own in Sunday’s 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles raMS.
Jones is completing 71.6 percent of his attempts for 1,078 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also run for three touchdowns.
Of course, the Colts will have to decide about Jones’ long-term future soon. He is only signed to a one-year contract and can become a free agent next offseason, though they could buy themselves additional time if they use the franchise tag to keep him in 2026.
