Asked about the situation at a Sunday press conference, Richardson gave reporters an answer that summed up just how dormant the whole thing has gone.
"I haven't really even talked to my agent about it recently," Richardson said, per James Boyd of The Athletic. "I haven't talked to (Chris) Ballard. So I'm not necessarily sure what's going on with that, but I'm just here right now and trying to make sure I can, you know, stand my foot on this team and be the best version of myself I can be for the team."
Other reports, however, indicate that Richardson is expected to be released or traded.
Nobody Has Actually Called It Off
The request itself dates back to February, when the Colts gave Richardson permission to seek a trade partner after a rocky stretch that saw him lose the starting job to Daniel Jones.
General manager Chris Ballard has since confirmed the request has never formally been rescinded, even as the roster around Richardson has shifted dramatically.
Indianapolis re-signed Jones to a new deal, continued developing 2025 draft pick Riley Leonard, and declined Richardson's fifth-year option, meaning he's set to hit free agency after this season regardless of what happens between now and then.
🚨🚨Colts Anthony Richardson expected to be released or traded
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) August 10, 2026
An eye injury complicated matters further, with Richardson missing extensive time before returning healthy this offseason. He's currently locked in a competition with Leonard just to be Jones' backup.
Where He Stands On It
Richardson has been consistent that he's not forcing the issue. Back in May, when he reported for voluntary workouts despite the outstanding trade request, he pointed to his contractual obligation to the team. His tone hasn't changed much since.
If the Colts can’t find a trade for Anthony Richardson, he would become only the third quarterback drafted top-5 to be released before his fourth season began:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) August 10, 2026
Ryan Leaf
Jamarcus Russell
Richardson
Other teams were able to find trades for failed top picks in previous examples. pic.twitter.com/rWau5Sg3QC
"Man, if that's what the team wants, that's what I want," Richardson said of a scenario where no trade materializes. "I just want to go be able to help a team."
With final roster cuts and the start of the regular season still weeks away, neither side appears to be forcing a resolution. For now, Richardson remains a Colt, competing for a backup job, with a trade request that technically still exists but that nobody, including the player it belongs to, seems to be really working on.
The rumblings are still out there, though.
