Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard says Anthony Richardson won't be on the trade block despite Daniel Jones being chosen as the team's starting quarterback.
"We're not trading him," Ballard told reporters Wednesday, including ESPN's Stephen Holder.
The topic of Richardson's future was amplified after his agent said that trust between the 23-year-old passer and the franchise was "questionable" following the team's quarterback decision.
Richardson, who was drafted fourth overall in 2023, hasn't developed into the passer the Colts hoped for. He was benched for two games last season before regaining the starting job.
Engaged in another quarterback competition this preseason, Richardson lost the role to Jones, who signed with Indianapolis as a free agent in March.
Despite his setbacks, Ballard believes sitting behind Jones could do Richardson good. He mentioned that Jones was picked due to his ability to operate the line of scrimmage prior to the snap.
"There's a lot of value in sitting behind a guy that's a professional and watching and learning and growing and working on the things you need to work on without the same pressure of being the starter," Ballard explained.
The GM added that he still believes Richardson has the traits to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
"I think it's sure in him," Ballard said. "I do. I think it's in him. Whether that happens or not, we'll see."
Richardson completed just 47.7% of his passes for 1,814 yards and eight touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 2024.
