COLTS SQUAD SHOW: Richardson RETURNS | AR/Colts May Be Stuck With Each Other - Could He Be QB2?

The Locked On Colts Squad Show dives deep into the ongoing Anthony Richardson saga, now entering its third month as the quarterback remains on the trade block with no takers. Despite declining his fifth-year option and returning to workouts in Indianapolis, Richardson’s trade value has plummeted due to a lack of interest from other teams, with the Packers’ signing of Tyrod Taylor effectively closing the door on most realistic trade scenarios. The hosts debate whether Richardson should be allowed to compete for the backup quarterback role, with strong arguments against it due to his volatility, lack of trust from coaches, and inconsistent decision-making—especially after the preseason finger injury. Instead, they favor Riley Leonard as the clear QB2, citing his improved maturity, experience, and better fit within Shane Steichen’s system. The discussion shifts to the Colts’ post-draft power ranking, where ESPN places them 20th in the NFL, reflecting skepticism about their lack of splashy moves and continued pass rush deficiencies. Still, the team retains optimism due to key returning players like Jonathan Taylor, Sauce Gardner, and Daniel Jones’ potential return. The final segment examines the free agent market, highlighting limited viable options—especially at edge rusher—where aging veterans like Jadeveon Clowney and Von Miller are seen as risky bets. The hosts conclude that the Colts may have to rely on youth, depth, and health to succeed in 2026, with Ashton Doolin and Laquan Treadwell emerging as potential under-the-radar contributors. Key takeaways include: 1) Richardson is unlikely to be traded and will likely remain on the roster as a backup, but not a serious contender for the role; 2) Riley Leonard is the clear choice for QB2 due to reliability and system fit; 3) The Colts’ pass rush remains a major concern, with no elite free agent available; 4) The team’s success hinges on health, development of young players like Layatu Latu, and solidifying the secondary; 5) Free agent signings will likely be low-impact, with a focus on depth and role players rather than stars. The overall tone is cautiously optimistic but grounded in realism, acknowledging the team’s limitations while still believing in their potential if key pieces stay healthy and perform.