The Green Bay Packers have a knack for finding value, and their acquisition of Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans for a seventh-round pick was a prime example. Now, as Willis approaches free agency, a similar opportunity is emerging with the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback, Anthony Richardson.
Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, has been given permission by the Colts to seek a trade as the new league year looms on March 11. This news, reported by Stephen Holder, has sparked interest across the NFL, as Richardson is a unique talent with untapped potential.
While Richardson won't come as cheap as Willis, the parallels are intriguing. Richardson's journey in Indianapolis was rocky, with only 24 college games and 13 starts under his belt before turning pro. As he enters the final year of a $34 million rookie deal, he's seen as a reclamation project with immense upside in both arm strength and rushing ability.
A move to Green Bay could be just what Richardson needs. With a supportive fan base and the chance to develop under head coach Matt LaFleur, he could thrive as the No.
2 QB behind Jordan Love. His dual-threat capabilities mirror those of Willis, providing the Packers with a familiar and effective backup option.
During his time with the Colts, Richardson accumulated 2,400 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions over 17 games, with an 8-7 record as a starter. He also showcased his rushing prowess with 634 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Trading for Richardson might require a mid-round draft pick, but his financial terms are manageable. He carries a $1.15 million base salary in 2026, along with a $4.25 million roster bonus. The Packers would also have a fifth-year option for $23.5 million in 2027, which they could choose to decline.
While the Packers recently traded two first-round picks for Micah Parsons, impacting their draft capital, the potential addition of Richardson could bolster their quest for a fourth straight playoff appearance. With Willis contributing significantly in the past two seasons, having a backup with Richardson's skill set could be crucial in the competitive NFC North.
In the end, Green Bay must weigh the cost against the potential reward. Richardson's talent as a backup could be the key to extending their postseason run, making this an intriguing decision for the Packers' front office.