Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was fighting for a starting job at this time last year and he’s in another competition as the team heads into its first preseason game of this summer. Richardson is vying for the backup job behind Daniel Jones with Riley Leonard and both quarterbacks will get a chance to play against the Patriots this Thursday. The team has not said which of them will start that game and the battle is playing out against the backdrop of Richardson’s trade request this offseason. General Manager Chris Ballard said at the start of camp that the team doesn’t intend to trade Richardson and Richardson said Sunday that he has not checked in on where things stand trade-wise in some time. “I haven’t really even talked to my agent about that recently,” Richardson said, via James Boyd of TheAthletic.com. “I haven’t talked to 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.”Richardson also shared his feelings about potentially remaining in Indianapolis as the third quarterback should head coach Shane Steichen opt for Leonard in the No. 2 spot.
“If that’s what the team wants, that’s what I want,” Richardson said. “I just want go be able to help a team. 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 the team win.”There was no sign of trade interest in Richardson during the offseason and this summer hasn’t been any different. An injury elsewhere could change that, but Richardson’s future in Indianapolis or anywhere else will look a bit brighter if he can put together a strong body of preseason work that reminds people why he was a coveted prospect ahead of the 2023 draft.