With the emergence of Daniel Jones in Indianapolis and a number of teams in need of something new under center, I expect several teams to consider the services of a former first-round pick, who I think hasn’t scratched the surface of what he is capable of. Anthony Richardson has showcased his talents at the quarterback position for 17 games with the Colts and has won ten of those games.
He has left something to be desired statistically, but finding a way to win is the most important thing. That is why I expect him to find a new home this offseason, and I think a new coach can help unlock his upside.
Richardson passed for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He also ran for 634 yards and ten touchdowns. I expect the Colts to be aggressive in terms of improving, but the smart move is to trade this asset while he still holds value, especially if you’ve found your answer at the position.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Proposed Trade: Two 2026 third-round picks (#76 and #99 overall) for QB Anthony Richardson and a 2026 seventh-round pick (#230 overall)
I would be surprised if we saw Aaron Rodgers suit up in the NFL again after his performance in the Wild Card game vs. Houston. This doesn’t tarnish his career at all, but the Steelers would be foolish to mortgage their future for another year of an aging legend. Bringing in a player as talented as Richardson, and still staying in the first round, would be incredible for Pittsburgh to remain a fringe playoff team, if not better.
Getting two third-round picks would be an excellent return for the Colts, as they will be able to add some young depth after trading their first-round pick in the deal they made to acquire CB Sauce Gardner.
Los Angeles Rams
Proposed Trade: A 2026 second-round pick (#61 overall) for QB Anthony Richardson
With two first-round picks in the NFL Draft and a tendency not to be shy with trading draft picks, I think the Rams could see the value in trading for a player like Richardson and not using either first-round pick on the quarterback position. I think it is arguable that Richardson has more upside than anyone they would be able to get at quarterback at both picks 13 and 29, and so bringing him in under Matthew Stafford and working with Sean McVay could be incredible for him to become the next man up in Los Angeles.
Minnesota Vikings
Proposed Trade: A 2026 fifth-round pick (#162 overall) and WR Jordan Addison for QB Anthony Richardson
I think this could be an ideal trade for both sides, allowing them to catch lightning in a bottle with a change of scenery. Jordan Addison could likely be facing a lengthy suspension to start next season, but when he comes back, they would have one of the deepest wide receiver cores in all of the NFL if they make this move.
For the Vikings, this makes sense, as it brings in a quarterback hungry to be an impact player in the league, to battle for the starting role with J.J. McCarthy. Given the high incidence of injuries at the position, this is a team that should be especially prepared after witnessing this firsthand last year.
It is a low-cost move, helping them cut losses with a talented player who has been troubled off the field. Addison ranked as the 31st-best receiver in 2024, with a 79 Impact Score per our PFSN WR Impact Metric, and wasn’t consistently on the field last season, so I’d naturally look at the dip as due to that rather than a regression in skills.
Arizona Cardinals
Proposed Trade: A 2026 third-round pick (#65 overall) and a 2027 fourth-round pick for QB Anthony Richardson
A new regime in Arizona could mean the end for Kyler Murray in Arizona, and if they look to replace him, I think they could do a lot worse than Anthony Richardson. Richardson has a big arm and is a legitimate dual-threat quarterback who could be someone for the Cardinals to build around.
I think having a high third-round pick this season will allow them to use it as a fourth-round pick next year. I think in this offense that has had struggles with running back injuries, continuing to have a quarterback who can run is essential, but a big body runner like Richardson could take some of those goal-line touches, too.
Miami Dolphins
Proposed Trade: A 2026 third-round pick (#75 overall) and a 2026 fourth-round pick (#111 overall) for QB Anthony Richardson
This is a trickier situation, as I think Miami has to evaluate its in-house option in Tua Tagovailoa, see that they only have one more year on his contract before a potential exit, and realize that he is one concussion away from them being totally stuck at the position.
Additionally, it may be worthwhile to explore whether any other teams would be interested in taking on his contract if you bring in Richardson, as he has showcased his arm talent. However, this year was a strange one for the whole team, and a new coach may want to start fresh.
