Five potential Anthony Richardson trade destinations

Lower than three years after being chosen No. 4 general within the 2023 NFL Draft, quarterback Anthony Richardson’s time with the Indianapolis Colts could possibly be nearing its finish.

On Thursday, ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder shared that the group has granted Richardson permission to hunt a commerce as it really works out a long-term extension with incumbent starter Daniel Jones, who revived his profession in Indianapolis final season earlier than struggling a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 14.

Richardson, 23, solely appeared in two blowouts final season, taking part in 14 snaps. Over his first two seasons, Richardson struggled with accuracy, together with finishing an alarming 47.7 p.c of his makes an attempt in 2024, when he began 11 video games. However with an explosive arm and dynamic capacity as a runner, there must be a marketplace for Richardson, who is ready to play on the fourth-year of his rookie contract, making him value a flier for QB-needy groups.

Under, we check out 5 franchises that ought to discover including Richardson this offseason.

A divorce from quarterback Kyler Murray seems imminent, giving the Cardinals a gap on the place and Richardson a practical alternative of incomes the beginning position. He’d even be an economical choice contemplating Arizona would have a useless cap hit of both $54.7M or $77.3M if it launched Murray, per Spotrac, leaving it with little monetary wiggle room to lure free brokers.

Richardson would have a promising core to work alongside, together with tight finish Trey McBride and wideouts Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, who notched his first 1,000-yard season in 2025.

The Dolphins are one other crew that could be out there for an inexpensive beginning quarterback choice as they search for methods out from Tua Tagovailoa’s contract. An offense constructed round working again De’Von Achane and Richardon’s legs could possibly be troublesome to defend, giving Miami an opportunity to ascertain an id underneath first-year head coach Jeff Hafley.

Aaron Rodgers may be Plan A for the Steelers and head coach Mike McCarthy, however they owe it to themselves to discover all choices. Buying Richardson would symbolize an enormous change. Per Pro Football Reference, in 2025, Pittsburgh ranked final in meant air yards per move try (5.9). The Colts ranked first in meant air yards in 2024, with Richardson averaging 12 air yards per try, according to NFL Pro data.

It might make extra sense for the Vikings to peruse the veteran free agent (or commerce) market to search out competitors for J.J. McCarthy, but when nothing materializes on that entrance, a hungry Richardson can be appropriate as a challenger for QB1. Final low season’s competitors between Richardson and Jones in Indianapolis labored out fairly effectively, and it’d work for the Vikings, too.

Groups just like the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets want a quarterback,  however Richardson would arguably be higher served latching onto a secure franchise for a season and doubtlessly getting a greater beginning alternative in 2027. He would not problem Patrick Mahomes for the beginning position in Kansas Metropolis, however with the three-time Tremendous Bowl MVP rehabbing from a Week 15 torn ACL, Richardson can be a priceless insurance coverage coverage if Mahomes shouldn’t be prepared for the beginning of 2026.

And if any coach has the flexibility to get a bundle of performs collectively that maximizes Richardson’s distinctive ability set, Andy Reid must be at (or close to) the highest of the record. Even with a totally wholesome Mahomes, that might be extraordinarily helpful.