Colts Confirm: Anthony Richardson Will Not Be Traded, Focused on His Development

Colts Reaffirm Confidence in Anthony Richardson Despite Decision with Daniel Jones

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to name Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback doesn’t mean Anthony Richardson Sr. is on his way out of the team, according to general manager Chris Ballard. In a press conference on Wednesday, Ballard responded emphatically when asked if Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, could be available for a trade.

“We’re not going to change it,” Ballard affirmed.

Chris Ballard

The Colts, according to Ballard, are not giving up on Richardson, despite previous decisions. Coach Shane Steichen, for his part, temporarily benched Richardson for two games last season, replacing him with veteran Joe Flacco, in a season where Richardson completed 47.7% of his pass attempts. Subsequently, the Colts signed Jones to compete with Richardson in March. Last week, they chose Jones as the starter, even after several in the organization acknowledged that Richardson had had his best training camp to date.

It’s easy to say, ‘OK, that’s it,'” Ballard commented on Richardson. “I don’t agree. I’ve said it several times, I don’t agree with that. I think overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way is good for anyone. I believe it. I’m proud of Anthony, of where he is, of how far he’s come. He has come a long way.

Chris Ballard

Steichen explained that he chose Jones over Richardson because he believed Jones’ control over the pre-snap “operation,” including audibles and pass protections, was superior to Richardson’s. Steichen added that this would positively impact the offense and “keep us on the right track.” Ballard mentioned that he has had several conversations with Richardson’s agent, Deiric Jackson, who expressed frustration with the team’s handling of his client. Jackson noted that his confidence in the Colts was “questionable at best”. The Colts have been under scrutiny for their decisions at the quarterback position since Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019. Since that season, the Colts have had 10 different starting quarterbacks, tied for third in the NFL. Jones will become number 11 if he starts against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. Richardson was supposed to put an end to this rotation, but that hasn’t happened. Ballard, however, was firm in his conviction that he can still achieve it.

I feel that with the progress he is making, [if] he continues on this path, we will be able to see that talent come to light,” he said. “There always has to be one, right? Why not him? And I think his progress has been good.

Chris Ballard

Ballard concluded his press conference by addressing one last question: Can Richardson become a franchise quarterback?

“I think it’s in him,” Ballard replied. “I do. I think it’s in him. We’ll see if that happens or not.

Chris Ballard