The Los Angeles Rams have never shied away from taking bold, unconventional steps to tackle their biggest challenges. The buzz around potentially acquiring Anthony Richardson is a testament to that adventurous spirit. With the Indianapolis Colts giving Richardson the green light to seek a trade after three injury-ridden seasons and a lost starting position, the Rams have emerged as a potential landing spot-a scenario that's been brewing since late 2025.
Richardson's allure lies not in his polish but in his raw potential. However, when you dig deeper-considering historical trends, developmental timelines, coaching compatibility, and market dynamics-the Rams might want to think twice before pulling the trigger. This isn't a question of Richardson's talent; it's about whether he's the right fit for the Rams at this point in time.
The Historical Context of Inexperienced Quarterbacks
Richardson entered the NFL as one of the least experienced quarterback prospects in recent memory, with only 13 college starts at Florida. This isn't a unique situation, and history hasn't been kind to quarterbacks with limited experience.
Consider recent first-round picks like:
- Trey Lance, with 17 starts at North Dakota State
- Mitchell Trubisky, also with 13 starts
- Dwayne Haskins, with 14 starts
- Mac Jones, a one-year starter at Alabama with 17 starts
- Kyler Murray, with 18 starts
These players were selected based on potential rather than proven performance. The NFL has learned time and again that quarterbacks without extensive live reps require more time to develop. Unfortunately, time is something the Rams, under their current leadership, have rarely afforded.
Lessons from Trey Lance
Trey Lance's journey offers a cautionary tale that closely parallels Richardson's situation:
- Drafted high for his potential
- Joined a competitive team that couldn't afford a learning curve
- Development hindered by injuries and lack of playing time
- Ultimately replaced when the timeline didn't pan out
Lance's experience highlights the challenges faced by raw, inexperienced QBs in "win-now" settings. Talent alone isn't enough when the clock is ticking.
Richardson's Current Standing
In his time with the Colts, Richardson has:
- Played 17 NFL games (15 starts)
- Thrown for 2,400 yards, 11 TDs, and 13 INTs
- Completed just 50.6% of his passes
- Missed significant time due to injuries
- Lost the starting role to Daniel Jones
While his rushing ability and explosive plays are impressive, his passing efficiency is inconsistent, and his growth has been hampered by injuries. Even with a veteran mentor like Matthew Stafford, Richardson would likely need more than a season to develop effectively. He's a developmental project, more suited to a rebuilding team than the Rams.
McVay's Philosophical Approach
Sean McVay has acknowledged his struggle with patience, emphasizing urgency and quick results. This mindset has shaped the Rams' approach:
- Aggressive trades for proven talent
- Short, decisive competitive windows
- Immediate demands on quarterbacks
- Little room for long-term QB development
Richardson would require a different environment-one focused on mechanical rebuilding, simplified reads, and trial and error. This isn't a critique of McVay; it's about aligning coaching strengths with player needs.
The Trade Market Dynamics
Richardson's value is being driven by teams desperate for quarterback solutions. Franchises like the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers, both dealing with QB uncertainties, might be willing to pay a premium. The Rams don't have the same urgency.
Even if the trade compensation is moderate, a quarterback-hungry team could push the price beyond what's reasonable for the Rams.
Potential Fits Elsewhere
Richardson might find a better fit with teams focused on QB development:
- Washington, with Brian Johnson, his former college coach
- Minnesota, under Kevin O’Connell, known for nurturing quarterbacks
These teams are focused on rebuilding players, while the Rams are focused on winning now.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Advanced metrics paint Richardson as a high-risk, high-reward quarterback:
- Negative EPA per dropback as a passer
- Low success rate despite explosive potential
- Elite rushing efficiency hiding passing inconsistencies
- Limited career sample size compared to peers
His traits are promising, but the production isn't there yet. This gamble suits teams searching for an identity, not those trying to maintain one.
The Rams' Need for Stability
The Rams are focused on roster balance, defensive improvements, and sustaining offensive efficiency-not resetting the quarterback clock. Bringing in Richardson would mean:
- A multi-year evaluation period
- Scheme adjustments for raw talent
- Increased volatility at quarterback
This would be a risky move in a competitive conference that punishes instability.
The Bottom Line
Anthony Richardson has the potential to become a standout NFL quarterback. His physical gifts guarantee that someone will take a chance on him.
But for the Rams, this might not be the right time or fit. The mismatch between Richardson's developmental needs and the Rams' organizational goals makes this a move they might want to pass on.