Top Three Trade Destinations for Colts QB Anthony Richardson

Nick Pedone|published: Thu 26th February, 15:10 2026

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) stands on the field after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts are allowing quarterback Anthony Richardson to seek a trade this offseason.

Since becoming the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson’s career in Indianapolis never materialized the way that some had hoped. The 23-year-old still has raw, athletic upside, but his attitude towards the game and injury concerns could scare away a few teams.

Realistically, suitors for Richardson won’t need to part with much. The Colts looked way better with reclamation project quarterback Daniel Jones, who will likely return on a new contract after his season-ending injury.

Let’s take a look at a few of the teams that could take a flier on Richardson.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are expected to pursue Richardson after firing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at the end of the season.

If the Vikings pursue Richardson, it’s likely in the spirit of “competition” to try and motivate J.J. McCarthy. The No. 10 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft underwhelmed during his first season in the league and made the Vikings look pretty silly for allowing Sam Darnold to leave the organization.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell publicly supported Richardson in 2024. While adding a project quarterback like Richardson could distract from developing McCarthy, Minnesota might be best suited to let the two youngsters compete and see if they have anything.

Cleveland Browns

Browns quarterback Shadeur Sanders (12) during AFC practice at the Flag Fieldhouse Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Oh, yes. Another competition for Richardson to insert himself into. It’s hard to see a world where the Browns seriously leave first-time head coach Todd Monken out to dry with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson as his quarterbacks.

Of course, it’s possible, as Monken has preached excitement to work with both quarterback and Dillon Gabriel, who feels like the forgotten man in the room.

But Richardson would be a low-risk, high upside addition for the Browns, who have struggled to find their franchise quarterback since returning to the NFL in 1999.

Los Angeles Rams

Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches game play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

At some point, Matt Stafford is going to be done. What if Sean McVay brings in Richardson, allows him to sit behind Stafford with no pressure to play, and helps a young quarterback fall back in love with the game of football?

The Rams have enough draft picks to take a swing at something like this, especially if they don’t feel strongly enough about drafting one in April.

Even if McVay won’t coach the Rams forever, Los Angeles should try to set themselves up for success in their next chapter by thinking ahead about the most important position.

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