Anthony Richardson, the intriguing young quarterback with a cannon for an arm, is officially on the trade block. The Indianapolis Colts have given the former fourth overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft the green light to explore new opportunities.
At just 23, Richardson's journey in the NFL has been a rollercoaster. A fierce training camp competition saw him edged out by Daniel Jones, who is now expected to secure a long-term deal with the Colts.
Richardson's career so far has been a mix of potential and setbacks, with only 17 games under his belt, 15 of which were starts. A string of injuries, including a shoulder setback in his rookie year and a freak eye injury in 2025, have limited his playtime.
Despite these challenges, Richardson has shown glimpses of brilliance, completing 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
What makes Richardson a hot commodity is his ability to launch the ball downfield. He led the league with an impressive 14.4 yards per completion in 2024, showcasing his potential to make big plays.
Yet, his 47.7% completion rate that same year highlights the work needed to refine his game. This dual nature makes him a fascinating prospect for teams willing to invest in his development.
Let's dive into five teams that might just be the right fit for Richardson's next chapter:
Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O'Connell, the Vikings' head coach, has a knack for reviving quarterback careers, as seen with Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. With J.J.
McCarthy's struggles last season, Minnesota could be eyeing Richardson to either push McCarthy or take the reins. O'Connell's previous encouragement to Richardson hints at a potential interest that might still be alive.
Los Angeles Rams
Though Matthew Stafford is still performing at an MVP level, the Rams need to think ahead. Richardson's raw talent could be molded under the guidance of Sean McVay, setting the stage for a seamless transition when Stafford eventually steps down.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With Aaron Rodgers nearing the end of his career, the Steelers are on the lookout for his successor. Mike McCarthy, known for his quarterback development prowess, could be the ideal mentor for Richardson, helping him refine his skills and connect with talents like DK Metcalf.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons boast a wealth of offensive talent but lack a long-term quarterback solution. With Kirk Cousins likely on his way out and Michael Penix Jr. recovering from injury, Richardson could be a perfect fit for head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Falcons' future plans.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins, with their new leadership familiar with quarterback projects, might see Richardson as their next big gamble. As Tua Tagovailoa's future with the team remains uncertain, Richardson could be the dynamic playmaker they need to energize their offense.
Richardson's potential is undeniable, and with the right team and coaching, he could transform into a formidable force in the NFL. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining which franchise is ready to take a chance on this promising quarterback.