Colts GM Ballard States Intention to Keep Richardson Despite Trade Request

Chris Ballard said he envisions keeping all three of his top quarterbacks on the final roster, including Anthony Richardson, despite the 2023 No. 4 draft pick's ongoing trade request earlier this year. When asked directly about that intention, Ballard told reporters: "That's my intention right now."

Richardson, who started a combined 15 games for the Colts in 2023 and 2024, has not rescinded his trade request. Ballard made clear his resistance to moving him, stating: "We're not just giving him away. I'm not going to do that." The GM did not rule out a trade entirely, but indicated he would require significant compensation.

The landscape shifted dramatically in May, when the organization appeared to signal a clear pivot away from Richardson. Coach Shane Steichen and the front office seemed positioned to move forward with starter Daniel Jones, who signed a new two-year contract extension, backed up by 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard. Jones is entering camp after a torn Achilles suffered in 2025.

Richardson is owed a guaranteed $4.24 million roster bonus within the first 15 days of training camp, with $1.145 million in base salary remaining for 2026 after that bonus hits. The financial obligation adds context to Ballard's position: keeping Richardson on the roster means absorbing that guaranteed money.

Ballard is entering the final year of his contract as he starts his 10th season with the Colts. He has one playoff victory in his tenure (2018 season). Principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon suggested in January that without significant improvement in 2026, leadership changes are likely. When asked whether he expected a contract extension, Ballard said: "I wouldn't do (an extension). I'm in the last year of my deal. We need to win."

Ballard also addressed other roster matters. He said running back Jonathan Taylor is "in a good spot," dispelling concerns about a repeat of Taylor's 2023 contract standoff. Receiver Alec Pierce was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list Monday after an ankle injury; Ballard conceded the injury could sideline Pierce "a week or two." The Colts have not ruled out adding a veteran wide receiver following the offseason trade of Michael Pittman Jr. Ballard did not shed light on the status of contract talks with Taylor or guard Quenton Nelson.