Signs point to Colts keeping Anthony Richardson despite lingering trade request

The future of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. remains unresolved, but the signs continue to point to him staying put. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that, despite Richardson's earlier request to explore a trade, the quarterback is expected to remain with the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2023.

Assistant GM Ed Dodds offered the clearest window into the team's thinking this week. Asked how he weighs Richardson's trade request against the need for depth, Dodds said, per multiple local reporters: "I think you take care of your own team first. We want to have three (QBs) that can play. So, if he's one of them, he's gonna be here."

The Colts have not found a trade partner willing to meet their price. Reporting from South Bend Tribune and other Indianapolis outlets indicates Indianapolis has no plans to deal Richardson, who is competing for the backup job against Riley Leonard behind the starter. Richardson's camp formally requested a trade earlier this offseason, but no deal materialized before the preseason trade deadline.

For now, the most likely outcome is Richardson settling in as QB2 and providing the Colts with a high-upside insurance policy at the position. How the depth chart sorts out once the regular season arrives will be one of the more watched storylines in Indianapolis.