The Indianapolis Colts’ surprising quarterback decision sent shockwaves through the NFL on Tuesday. After a summer-long battle that many expected Anthony Richardson to win, the franchise chose veteran Daniel Jones as their starter for the 2025 season.
The move has left Richardson’s future hanging in the balance and sparked speculation about potential trade destinations, with one AFC rival emerging as an intriguing possibility.
Why Did the Colts Choose Daniel Jones Over Anthony Richardson?
The Colts’ decision to name Jones the starter for the season has put a major question mark on Richardson’s future with the franchise. Once viewed as a raw star to be developed, taken with the fourth overall pick in 2023, he has now become a burden for a team seeking more consistency, even if it comes at the cost of a lower ceiling.
Richardson failed to separate himself from Jones in the training camp battle. While neither quarterback stood out on the field, Jones provides a steadier production floor with fewer swings.
In contrast, Richardson continues to struggle with accuracy, pre-snap reads, and staying healthy. The decision signals that Indianapolis is prioritizing immediate stability over long-term potential.
Could the Las Vegas Raiders Be Anthony Richardson’s Landing Spot?
Reporter Corbin K. Smith floated the Las Vegas Raiders as a possible landing spot for Richardson if the Colts decide to trade him. He cited the fit with Pete Carroll’s culture as he takes over and looks to reshape the franchise this season.
I could absolutely see the Raiders trying to trade for Anthony Richardson to work with him behind Geno Smith.
Pete Carroll has been a fan for a long time. And Pete has a pretty good track record with his staff of turning the careers around for QBs.
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) August 19, 2025
“I could absolutely see the Raiders trying to trade for Anthony Richardson to work with him behind Geno Smith. Pete Carroll has been a fan for a long time. And Pete has a pretty good track record with his staff of turning the careers around for QBs,” Smith wrote.
Carroll brought in Geno Smith to be the starter for the 2025 campaign, and shortly after, the team extended his contract for two years and $75 million. The idea is for him to raise the franchise’s production floor while Carroll renovates the team’s culture and implements his philosophy.
However, Smith is a 34-year-old quarterback whose long-term future remains uncertain.
What Path Could Anthony Richardson Follow in Las Vegas?
Richardson is only 23 years old, with plenty of room to develop, and could find himself in a situation similar to what Trey Lance experienced early in his career. He entered the league raw, and the San Francisco 49ers did not have the time to develop him and manage the growing pains.
Lance was eventually traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he served as a backup for two seasons. Now with the Los Angeles Chargers, he has shown promising signs in the preseason, raising his stock. This is a path Richardson could follow moving forward, with a team like the Raiders, which is not in a hurry at the position, potentially being the ideal fit.
The Raiders would offer Richardson something Indianapolis couldn’t provide: time and patience. With Smith locked in as the starter, Richardson could sit, learn, and develop without the pressure of immediate production.
Plus, Carroll’s track record of developing quarterbacks makes Las Vegas an attractive destination for a young signal-caller still searching for his footing in the NFL.
