Anthony Richardson’s future in Indianapolis looks like a waiting game, and the Colts may already have a cleaner path in front of them: move on, get help on defense, and let Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard sort out the quarterback room.
Richardson has asked to be traded, and with Jones lined up as QB1 and expected to be back fully by Week 1, he’s suddenly the odd man out. Leonard, who has three years left on his contract, appears to be the better fit as QB2. That leaves Richardson, who has one year left on his rookie deal, as an extra piece the Colts may be better off turning into something useful.
One possible partner is Arizona.
The Cardinals are rebuilding and sitting at the bottom of the NFC West for the foreseeable future, which makes them a logical team to at least consider taking a swing on Richardson. Arizona also has a quarterback room that could absorb the move.
Jacoby Brissett is the presumed starter in 2026, Gardner Minshew is there too, and Carson Beck was drafted in the third round in 2026 as more of a project than a ready-made answer. If the Cardinals brought in Richardson, they would likely have to move on from one or two quarterbacks, though that could happen anyway.
For Indianapolis, the real prize would be edge rusher Josh Sweat.
Sweat has been the subject of some trade speculation after not showing up for voluntary workouts this offseason, even after getting paid in 2025 in free agency by Arizona. He was productive last season, but he’s also nearing 30, which could keep the price from getting too steep. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has suggested Arizona might only land a mid-round pick for him, based on Sweat’s production and similar past deals.
If that’s the market, a framework like this starts to make sense:
Indianapolis Colts receive: Edge rusher Josh Sweat
The Colts need more pass-rush help, and Sweat would fit that need immediately. Indianapolis already has Laiatu Latu, who should be good, and Arden Key, who is solid but not transformative.
Beyond that, there’s plenty of uncertainty. Sweat would give the defense a much more dangerous edge.
He put up 12 sacks in 2025 and 11 in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles, and that kind of production is hard to ignore. If Arizona is willing to deal him, Indianapolis should be ready to make the move.
In Other News...
Colts Have One Pass Rush Battle That Could Define This Defense
The Colts pass rush is heading into camp with one of the more important jobs on the defense still unsettled, and it comes at a spot that matters plenty for what coordinator Gus Bradley wants to get done. With Kwity Paye gone, Indianapolis has to sort out who lines up opposite Laiatu Latu, and the answer will shape how much pressure this front can generate on a more consistent basis next season.
Arden Key brings the veteran edge in that competition, while Jaylahn Tuimoloau has the appeal of a young player who now has a full offseason to keep growing. Indianapolis also reshaped the room with additions such as Micheal Clemons, George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry, but the real question is whether the Colts can find a reliable complement to Latu before the rotation settles in. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Camp Is About To Answer A Huge O-Line Depth Question
Training camp is set to put the Colts offensive line depth under the microscope, and the biggest early questions are not necessarily about the starting five. Matt Goncalves is expected to open at right guard, but rookie Jalen Farmer gives Indianapolis at least a little reason to watch that spot closely as the team sorts out how much competition there really is for snaps inside.
The more immediate battle may come in the tackle room, where the first man off the bench could matter before long if injuries start to pile up. Luke Tenuta, Blake Freeland and Nolan Rucci are all in the mix, with Tenuta carrying the edge for now because of his recent NFL experience, while the others try to make their case over the course of camp. [Read more 🡒]