Brief

Colts say no trade for QB Anthony Richardson after Giants acquire J.J. McCarthy

Colts GM says Richardson will stay, despite his backup role and upcoming free agency.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:54:05 GMT

The Indianapolis Colts confirmed they are not planning to trade quarterback Anthony Richardson, according to reports from Bleacher Report citing ESPN analysts Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler.

Graziano noted the team might be "willing to take less to move on" from Richardson later in the season, but there is no current indication of a trade. Fowler added that the New York Giants never contacted Indianapolis about Richardson before acquiring J.J. McCarthy.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard told reporters at the start of training camp that Richardson had requested a trade, but the team "was not going to give him away." Richardson, who earned the backup job despite a self‑admitted sub‑par camp, last started in Week 16 of the 2024 season and appeared in seven snaps during Week 5 of the 2025 season. The team declined his fifth‑year option in April, making him eligible for free agency at season’s end.

Key facts

The Indianapolis Colts are not looking to trade quarterback Anthony Richardson. (bleacherreport.com)
Colts GM Chris Ballard said the team will not give Richardson away despite his trade request. (bleacherreport.com)
Richardson earned the backup role after a limited camp and last started in Week 16 of the 2024 season. (bleacherreport.com)
The Colts declined Richardson's fifth‑year option in April, making him a free‑agent candidate after the season. (bleacherreport.com)