The Cleveland Browns are looking to revamp their quarterback position for the upcoming NFL season, and several names are being considered to compete for the QB1 spot. Even after acquiring Tytus Howard, the franchise is willing to trade for a new QB that could cost nearly $34 million.
Cleveland Browns May Sign Anthony Richardson Soon
According to the updated Bleacher Report sources, one of the names on the Browns’ list of possible reinforcements is Anthony Richardson, who was selected 4th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
“I feel like the next trade has to be for Anthony Richardson. It makes perfect sense with the open competition. He’s got upside. He can compete with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job. I think he’s gonna be the number 1 target.”
📞@AkronJackson on the Browns next potential… pic.twitter.com/asVXWXFJ9m
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) March 2, 2026
In an analysis on “92.3 The Fan,” Akron Jackson agrees with Cleveland’s pursuit of the deal, pointing to a real possibility for him to compete with Shedeur Sanders, who ranks No. 46 in the PFSN QB Impact metric with a F grade, for the QB1 position during the early part of the season.
“I feel like the next trade has to be for Anthony Richardson. It makes perfect sense with the open competition. He’s got upside. He can compete with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job. And the hope would be obviously that one of them hits. And if it doesn’t, you’re still on track for next year,” said Jackson.
“So when I do my pre-agent and trade target list, and, you know, got to amend it, even though I’m not done with it yet, because of this morning’s trade, I think he’s going to be the number one target.
“And like I said, it would be the low cost thing that would allow the Browns to continue to upgrade other areas to support, you know, whoever is going to be that QB or the multiple players who are going to take snaps in 2026 for the Browns.”
According to Sportroc‘s contract information, Richardson signed a four-year, $33,994,056 contract with the Colts. There was also a signing bonus of $21,722,950 paid in full at the time of signing, but distributed over the four years for salary cap purposes.
The contract also provides a full guarantee of the amount against injuries and salary cap cuts. As a first-round pick, the Colts (or any team that acquires him via trade) have the right to exercise a fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
Richardson is a running back who often breaks tackles and gains crucial yards on the ground, and he can make long throws on deep passes with little effort due to his strong arm, but the QB’s career has been marked by several injuries.
In 2023, Richardson played only four games before undergoing surgery on his right shoulder. The following season, he missed several games due to injuries to his hip, oblique, foot, and back.
Last season, he suffered a fractured orbital bone in a bizarre accident with a rubber band during warm-ups in October, missing much of the season.
