Insider Paints Drab Picture of Trade Market for Colts' Anthony Richardson

One of the biggest dominoes still to fall in the Indianapolis Colts' offseason is the future whereabouts of fourth-year quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.

The former No. 4 overall draft pick was placed on the trade block this February during the NFL Scouting Combine, when Richardson's representation and the Colts mutually agreed to explore a trade out of Indianapolis. Nothing serious has yet to materialize.

"The market for him was soft," ESPN's Adam Schefter said this week on The Pat McAfee Show. "If there was a market for him, they would've traded him, and it didn't materialize."

So far, one of the biggest obstacles is that Richardson has little interest from around the league, at least in terms of compensation that the Colts would feel was worth exploring.

"I don't think they were expecting a lot, but they were expecting something back, and nothing has materialized so far," Schefter continued. "There has not been a team that has been overly interested in getting a deal done. I know Green Bay was out there, but there was no real conversation. Maybe that'll happen and heat back up with the draft, but nothing so far."

When McAfee and Schefter discussed what return the Colts could expect for Richardson, Schefter said, "It would be minimal."

Colts general manager Chris Ballard was asked about Richardson's trade status this week during the league's annual meetings in Phoenix, AZ.

"There's definitely a scenario there," Ballard answered when asked if Richardson could remain with the Colts in 2026. "He's a good dude, and he's talented. I mean, I still want good for Anthony, man. I still think he's got a lot in him. He's had some freaking bad luck, but I still think Anthony has got a lot of ability, and he's maturing and growing. He's still young.

"Anytime you take a quarterback that high ... the expectations, it's hard to live up to them no matter who you are."

ESPN's Stephen Holder, who originally broke the story of a trade request, wrote that, "No deal is imminent and it's unclear whether one will materialize."

While it's in the best interests of both sides to get Richardson moved as soon as possible, the Colts are hesitant to give up a player they recently spent a top-five draft pick on in exchange for late-round draft value.

There is a recent precedent of former first-round quarterbacks being traded during their rookie contracts for decent value, but the Colts can't force other teams to budge if they're not inspired to.

While there is no official deadline this offseason on getting a deal done, the next logical target would be the 2026 NFL Draft, which runs from Thurs., April 23, through Sat., April 25.