Will Colts trade Anthony Richardson after impressive preseason showing?

Anthony Richardson hasn’t lived up to massive expectations he entered the NFL with. The 2023 NFL Draft’s No. 4 overall pick, Richardson has started only 15 games over three seasons, losing his starting job to Daniel Jones last year while dealing with injuries throughout his career.

While Richardson has a massive 6-foot-4, 244-pound frame to go along with elite speed and arm strength, it’s the simple skills he lacks. Richardson struggles with accuracy, holding onto the ball too long and failing to diversify the velocity of his passes. He makes both his offensive line and receivers’ jobs harder as a result.

Advertisement

Another knock on Richardson coming out of Florida was a lack of experience, and he certainly hasn’t added much at the NFL level. With Jones entrenched as the Colts‘ starter, Richardson’s pathway to playtime going forward remains blocked.

Richardson requested a trade this offseason in the hopes of getting a fresh start. In the Colts’ preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, he proved why he may be worthy of one. Richardson completed 7 of his 10 passes for 80 yards while taking only one sack. He found Keenan Allen on this beautiful 24-yard touch pass early in the first quarter.

Will Colts trade Anthony Richardson?

Richardson looked confident in the pocket and played within the flow of the offense Saturday. That’s exactly what teams looking to add quarterback talent are hoping to see, so did Richardson better his chances of getting dealt? If we take Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds for his word, it’s the exact opposite.

Advertisement

Dodds said earlier this month “I think you take care of your own team first” in regard to Richardson’s trade request, noting the Colts would like to keep three quarterbacks “that can play.” Those three will likely be Jones, Richardson and fellow backup Riley Leonard.

With Jones coming off a torn Achilles, quarterback depth is especially important to Indy. Richardson may not get his wish out of town after all.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Will Colts trade Anthony Richardson after impressive preseason showing?