Jan. 8, 2026, 12:26 p.m. ET
Indianapolis Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard was asked about Anthony Richardson’s future with the team moving forward.
Over the summer, the Colts named Daniel Jones the starter, and in the few days since the season ended, Ballard and Shane Steichen have made it clear that they want him to return.
Riley Leonard’s performance against Houston could have also made trading Richardson a more realistic possibility, with Leonard showcasing that he can be a capable backup for this team.
So when asked if Richardson has a role with the Colts in 2026, Ballard was non-committal, given the team’s current situation at quarterback.
“That’s a very fair question,” Ballard said. “I was really happy with Anthony. Unfortunately for Anthony, he’s had some really bad luck.
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Ballard continued, “I thought he had made tremendous strides (during training camp). I did. I thought Anthony had made great strides. … He’s a great teammate. Never sulked. Never complained. Was doing a great job as a backup quarterback and then he has a freak accident in the locker room.
Ballard then added that it was great to get Richardson on the practice field those final three weeks and that he still has to work through any remaining vision issues he has from the injury.
“We’ll see what the future holds there,” Ballard said.
Richardson is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2026. Later this offseason, the Colts will have to determine if they want to pick up his fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
Once Jones was named the Colts’ starter in late August, Richardson’s path to regaining a starting role in Indianapolis always seemed murky. Now in January, that hasn’t changed.