The Indianapolis Colts have given quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, but no deal has so far been worked out. What appears clear in the QB's standing in the quarterback pecking order moving forward and that's a problem, as Indy might be fine with keeping him on the roster in 2026.
Richardson is basically becoming Milton Waddams, the character from Office Space who keeps getting moved around and eventually ends up in the basement. The quarterback hasn't been laid off yet, but could soon be. What he is is no better than QB3 (behind Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard) on the Colts entering next season.
The team must understand that it cannot trust Richardson to take a lot of meaningful snaps. In three seasons, he has completed only 50.6 percent of his passes, a number that implies that, despite Richardson's enormous physical ability, he either can't be good at the fundamentals or doesn't want to be.
Anthony Richardson might be stuck as a member of the Indianapolis Colts
His on-field decision-making is also poor. Run-pass options are a problem, and that is an aspect that he should be able to excel in. He has a cannon for an arm, but cannot consistently complete intermediate throws.
Still, the door remains open for Richardson to return if he can't work out a deal, which general manager Chris Ballard can't be bothered to do and has tasked Richardson and his agent to find, but he shouldn't. If no trade can be found, he should be released.
Ballard told the media at the NFL annual meeting this week, "(Richardson has) asked for a trade, so we’ll see what happens between now and then...There’s definitely a scenario (where he’s back). He’s too talented. He’s a good dude, and he’s talented. I still want good (things) for Anthony. I still think he’s got a lot in him. He’s had some freakin’ bad luck, but I still think Anthony, he’s got a lot of ability, and he’s maturing and growing.
The Indianapolis Colts have a general manager, head coach (Shane Steichen), and starting quarterback (Daniel Jones) who say a lot but convey very little. The team acts as if any inside intel on the team is like giving away national security secrets. Ballard basically said positive things about Anthony Richardson as if he were afraid of hurting someone's feelings.
This is the same GM who began his discussion with the media by saying, "I’m over the 8-2 (start). That s*** is over. And I’m over the end of the s*** at the end of the season, too." Chris Ballard's middle name isn't "classy."
The truth is that Anthony Richardson isn't "too talented," whatever that means, to not find a home in the NFL. He might be able to throw the ball 80 yards and run with force and speed, but that doesn't make him a good quarterback if he can perfect the simple things. He is simply taking up a roster spot with the Indianapolis Colts, and the team keeping him serves no purpose.