Colts tab Anthony Richardson Sr. to start preseason opener amid open trade request

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced Tuesday that Anthony Richardson Sr. will start the team’s preseason opener Thursday night against the New England Patriots.

Richardson has been competing with 2025 sixth-round draft pick Riley Leonard in training camp to win the No. 2 job behind starter Daniel Jones. Leonard, Steichen said, will play the second half before picking up the start in Week 2 of the preseason, with Richardson slated to relieve him in that game.

The Colts do not plan to play Jones during the preseason.

What makes the news of Richardson starting Thursday night against the Patriots most intriguing is not the pecking order on the depth chart — he is getting the first chance to start with Leonard guaranteed the next one — but instead Richardson’s open trade request.

The No. 4 pick from the 2023 NFL Draft has not rescinded the request, which he made at the beginning of the offseason. This game could potentially serve as something of a showcase for Richardson — not that a trade is top of mind for the young QB right now.

“I haven’t really even talked to my agent about that recently,” said Richardson, who skipped the first weeks of voluntary workouts this offseason before returning to the team. “I haven’t talked to (general manager Chris) Ballard or anybody about that recently.

“I’m not necessarily sure what’s going on. But I’m just here right now, trying to make sure I can stamp my foot on this team and be the best version of myself I can be for the team.”

Before training camp, Ballard said he envisioned his final roster including three quarterbacks: Jones, Leonard and Richardson. The GM didn’t rule out a trade, but he made it clear he wasn’t going to “give (Richardson) away.”

“I think they’re realistic and we’re realistic,” Ballard said about Richardson’s camp and the team. “We’re not just giving him away. I’m not going to do that.”

Richardson might need a good showing in the preseason to boost his trade value. So far in camp, he’s struggled to find any consistent rhythm. However, if he does play well during the preseason, there’s no guarantee the Colts will trade him. They might decide it’s best to keep him in Indianapolis.

“If that’s what the team wants, that’s what I want,” said Richardson when asked recently if he expected to be with the Colts for the 2026 season. “I just want to be able to help the team, and if it’s this team, then I thank God for it. I’m just ready to showcase what I can do and be a winning piece to help this team win.”