The Colts are not ready to permanently throw in the towel on Anthony Richardson.
Last week, Colts head coach Shane Steichen benched the second-year quarterback in favor of veteran Joe Flacco for the team’s game against the Vikings on Sunday.
The NFL trade deadline came and went on Tuesday without any movement for Richardson, but there was a report that other teams kicked the tires on a potential deal.
“There have been multiple inquiries in recent days about the availability of Colts QB Anthony Richardson, who was benched last week,” ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder wrote on X. “All suitors have gotten the same answer: He’s off limits.”
Due to injuries and the recent benching, Richardson has started just 10 NFL games.
He has wowed with his legs and shown an ability to connect on electric deep passes, but his accuracy has been lacking.
Richardson has completed just 44.4 percent of his passes this season and thrown four touchdown passes with seven interceptions.
There was also a controversial moment during last week’s game against the Texans when Richardson pulled himself out of the game and later admitted he was not injured but rather was winded.
A number of people around the NFL were critical of Richardson, including former quarterback Cam Newton.
“You gotta suck the f–king s–t up and get prepared to f–king play the next play,” Newton said. “When people make the decision to say we’re going with Joe Flacco, you can’t get made because you didn’t have the awareness or the experience to know what it’s like because these are reps.
“It’s nobody’s job to make sure you’re prepared than you. Signs of being a true professional — you have to be mentally and physically prepared, and this, ladies and gentlemen, Anthony Richardson’s situation embodies both.”
Nevertheless, Flacco also struggled as the Colts lost to the Vikings on Sunday night, averaging just 6.6 yards per pass attempt with no touchdowns and an interception.
