When it comes to Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts, one thing is clear: the team isn't banking on him as their starting quarterback in 2026, or likely ever again. The Colts seem more inclined to re-sign Daniel Jones as their QB1.
Riley Leonard is also in the mix, having shown promise when given the opportunity this season. His mobility and accuracy offer a contrast to Richardson, who unfortunately appears to be veering toward the dreaded "first-round draft bust" label.
With Richardson's rookie contract winding down, and the Colts unlikely to pick up his fifth-year option, the idea of paying him $10 million in 2027 to ride the bench seems far-fetched. This puts the Colts in a position where trading him could be a savvy move.
Enter Ethen Hutton's trade proposal: the Colts would send Richardson and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a conditional 2027 fourth-rounder. For Indianapolis, swapping Richardson for a third-round choice could be a win.
Now, before questioning Cleveland’s potential interest, remember their unpredictable track record. The Browns have yet to make a Super Bowl appearance and drafted two quarterbacks in 2025: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
Gabriel, despite a 1-5 record, managed seven touchdowns against two interceptions, earning a quarterback rating of 80.8. Sanders, on the other hand, made the Pro Bowl despite a 3-4 record, 10 interceptions, and a 68.1 rating, raising eyebrows about the selection process.
Could Richardson outperform Gabriel and Sanders? That's debatable.
The real prize for the Colts would be securing a third-round pick, bolstering their draft capital after trading their first-rounder for cornerback Sauce Gardner. While it won't completely offset the loss, adding a third-round selection would certainly help.
In the end, any return is better than none.