ESPN: Signs point to Richardson remaining a Colt

Richardson spent training camp and the preseason battling it out with Riley Leonard for the backup gig. Given the arc of Richardson’s career, earning the backup gig is undoubtedly a win for the young passer. Richardson isn’t on the redraft fantasy radar, but dynasty managers can leave the light on for him.

Richardson is listed alongside Riley Leonard as the team’s QB2 for now. Either Leonard or Richardson — who struggled in the preseason — will serve as Daniel Jones’ backup this season. One of the most inaccurate passers in modern NFL history, Richardson would be a massive downgrade for all Indy pass catchers if he finds his way under center in 2026.

Richardson’s interception came on a play in which the ball bounced off his receiver’s hands and into a defender’s arms. The former No. 4 overall pick was mostly solid on Thursday, making quick and decisive throws to his receivers while going a perfect 6-for-6 on pass attempts of 10-plus air yards. Richardson also lost a fumble on a 10-yard scramble in the second quarter, but made up for it later on a one-yard touchdown run on a QB sneak. His days as a Colt are likely numbered. Richardson stringing together a nice preseason could draw the interest of several QB-needy teams before the start of the season and position him to eventually see the field sometime in 2026.

Richardson and Riley Leonard will both play, while Daniel Jones will sit. Richardson’s trade request this offseason has gone nowhere, but the Colts appear to be giving him ample opportunity to showcase himself in the preseason as he will get the first half here and the second half next week against Atlanta, while Leonard picks up the other two halves. The Colts are likely hoping someone talks themselves into trading a low pick for Richardson.

Rapoport adds that he “would not be surprised” if Richardson has played his last down as a Colt, and believes he could be traded or waived, seemingly soon. Richardson was recently seen taking third-team reps at practice, and Rapoport wonders whether Richardson can really see pass rushers on either side of him or the receivers running routes downfield. Richardson infamously injured his eye in a pre-game mishap with a resistance band last year, which Rapoport describes as “one of the most absurd and ridiculous injuries of all time.” He really didn’t hold back here. Back in May, The Athletic’s James Boyd used the “questions remain” line regarding Richardson’s eyesight as well, but follow-up reports have been difficult to come by. Richardson’s time as a Colt may be coming to a close, but finding a new team could be harder than expected if there is more to this eyesight story.

Colts coach Shane Steichen did not indicate who will start the game, nor did he rule out QB Daniel Jones (Achilles). Per Erickson, holding Jones out would be unsurprising. Richardson was recently seen working with the third-team offense, so Leonard could have the inside track to start on Thursday.

Richardson, as usual, has been impressive on deep balls, but has had “issues involving his timing and anticipation, securing the snap has been a problem, as he’s bobbled or dropped several shotgun snaps,” Arthur said. Richardson is competing with Riley Leonard for QB2 duties behind Daniel Jones. Leonard, according to Arthur, has seen “slightly” more work with the Colts’ second-team offense than Richardson has in camp. Leonard has been “finding the layups” in Shane Steichen’s offense — an area in which Richardson has struggled as a pro. Leonard would seem to be the favorite to serve as Jones’ backup in 2026.

GM Chris Ballard has emphasized lately he “still thinks Richardson has something to offer.” We can certainly see the logic behind the Colts not doing another team a favor by letting Richardson become a free agent, but if there’s no market here, it seems likely that Richardson will likely just be the team’s third quarterback this season behind Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard. Richardson has been evenly splitting second-team reps with Leonard during the Colts’ offseason program.

With starting QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) rehabbing his season-ending injury from last year, presumed QB2 Riley Leonard will receive extra snaps this spring. When asked today if Richardson will be allowed to compete with Leonard for the QB2 role, Steichen “quickly sidestepped the topic,” prompting multiple follow-up questions from reporters. Steichen also “did not give a direct answer” when asked if Richardson has any limitations in his previously injured eye. A reporter followed up on the latter issue, but Steichen “simply repeated that the QB is ‘cleared to play.’” This doesn’t give us a whole lot to go on, but we expect reporters to follow up with Steichen and potentially Richardson on the matter. Boyd notably reported in February that Richardson had regained full vision in his right eye. We hope the initial reporting is indeed true.

Richardson stayed away during the previous two weeks, but showed up on Monday to join the team. The former No. 4 overall pick, who recently had his fifth-year option declined, is hoping to be traded or released before the start of next season, but he doesn’t appear to be on the move at this time. With second-year QB Riley Leonard expected to see most of the first-team reps while Daniel Jones continues to recover from his Achilles injury, Richardson will likely handle backup duties during drills if he continues to report. Richardson is in the final year of his rookie deal and appeared in only two games last season, completing 1-of-2 passes for nine yards.