No Trade, No Problem? Colts' Ed Dodds Signals Richardson Stays Put
WESTFIELD, Ind. — Anthony Richardson's future in Indianapolis has been a trending topic all offseason. But if you've been waiting for a definitive answer, Ed Dodds just gave you the closest thing to it.
The Colts' assistant general manager didn't exactly come out and say "Anthony Richardson is untouchable," but he might as well have. When asked about the idea of trading the former No. 4 overall pick, Dodds kept it simple: "I think you take care of your own team first."
Why Depth Matters Now More Than Ever
The Colts learned the hard way how quickly the quarterback position can go from fine to catastrophic. Starter Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending Achilles tear in December. Richardson was already out with an orbital fracture. So what did Indy do? They pulled Philip Rivers out of retirement to start the final three games. Yes, really.
That's the kind of nightmare scenario that stays with you. And it's exactly why Dodds isn't in any rush to deal Richardson.
"We want to have three [quarterbacks] that can play," Dodds said. "So, if [Richardson] is one of them, he's going to be here... Look at last year. You never know."
Richardson's Roller-Coaster Ride
It's been a wild stretch for the 2023 draft's No. 4 pick. Last season, Richardson lost the starting job to Daniel Jones in a preseason battle. That led to a reported trade request in February, and the team even gave his reps permission to talk to other clubs. But no trade materialized, and Richardson showed up for offseason workouts like a pro.
Now, after a solid preseason opener in New England, it looks like he's making his case to stick around — not as a starter, necessarily, but as a valuable piece of the QB room puzzle. On Thursday, Richardson completed 11 of 14 passes for 145 yards and added 53 yards on six carries.
That's the kind of versatility you want in a backup. And the Colts seem to be realizing that letting a talented quarterback walk just because he's not the starter is a luxury they can't afford.
So is Richardson staying? Nothing is official yet, but the tea leaves are pointing in one direction. And if Dodds has his way, the Colts will have three capable quarterbacks on the roster — and Richardson will be one of them.