Anthony Richardson hasn't rescinded his trade request to the Indianapolis Colts, but he doesn't know what's happening with the situation. Fans of the team likely couldn't agree more with what the quarterback said after practice on Sunday.
When asked by the media about the possibility of being traded, Richardson said, according to a tweet from The Athletic's James Boyd, "I haven’t really even talked to my agent about it recently. I haven’t talked to (general manager Chris) Ballard or anybody about that recently. I’m not necessarily sure what’s going on with that. But I’m just here right now..."
The italics above are our own, of course, but likely the most important part of what Richardson said. If he doesn't know what's happening, likely no one else does either. More specifically, there is a good chance nothing is going on with the question in terms of a trade materializing.
Anthony Richardson made the confession that all Indianapolis Colts fans can understand
A trade isn't going to happen simply to happen. A potential suitor for the quarterback has to have a need or reason for wanting to deal for the embattled quarterback. The truth is that Richardson hasn't given them any.
He is still a work in progress after three years in the NFL. In training camp, he has looked no better than he has in previous seasons. That implies he can't be better. Head coach Shane Steichen understands how to prepare a quarterback for successful play as well as anyone, but Richardson has never been successful. He might never be.
If he has improved his accuracy in training camp or his understanding of the scheme, maybe another team would take a chance on him. Teams might not be showing up to Colts camp taking video of the quarterback and having discussions about adding him to their teams, but other teams can see and hear everything fans can: Anthony Richardson hasn't been good in training camp so far.
Any team acquiring Richardson would understand he is a project player, but his new team only has one season to figure out if he is worth keeping around. The Indianapolis Colts rightfully didn't pick up Richardson's fifth-year option, which means he is a free agent next offseason.
Instead of a team giving up any draft capital, even a potential late-round selection, a suitor can simply wait until next year, get the quarterback on a likely inexpensive contract, and review him after that. Indianapolis might simply be stuck with him.
The other option is to release Richardson, a move that would save the Colts literally no money. The upside is that his absence would open up a roster spot for a position of greater need. The team could keep an extra wide receiver or edge rusher instead of three quarterbacks.
Just don't ask Richardson what his status is or what the future holds. As he admitted on Sunday, he doesn't have a clue.
Add us as a preferred source on Google