It’s unclear whether the Indianapolis Colts will trade Anthony Richardson. Teams like the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers are possible fits for the young quarterback. Austin Boyd of Heavy.com thinks the Las Vegas Raiders should consider trading for Richardson:
“At this point, the trade price for Richardson should be low. He got benched in favor of Jones, who was previously considered a draft bust. If he could be had for a fourth-round pick or lower, Las Vegas should at least consider it. Richardson is in his third NFL season, but he’s only three days older than 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward. He was very raw coming into the league, and the Colts were very quick to give up on him. Now, he does have major issues. His accuracy is a huge problem that might not be fixable. That said, he’s 6-foot-4, runs a 4.43 40-yard dash and has one of the strongest arms in the NFL. Putting him in a situation where Chip Kelly can develop him, and he can learn behind Smith, might be the perfect setup for what he needs.”
Raiders starting quarterback Geno Smith is struggling this season. Trading for Richardson could provide the team with insurance for the veteran signal-caller.
It’s unlikely that Richardson will be traded this year, seeing that the Colts need a backup for Daniel Jones. But you never know what’s going to happen.
An Analyst Writes About the Indianapolis Colts Trading Anthony Richardson to the Las Vegas Raiders
Richardson’s Career Thus Far
The Colts selected Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 draft. Due to injury, the Florida native missed all but four games as a rookie.
Richardson returned to the field last season, hoping to win Comeback Player of the Year Honors. Yet, he had another disappointing season. Richardson battled injuries, was benched temporarily, and struggled with accuracy issues. In 2024, he passed for 1,814 yards and eight touchdowns. Richardson also rushed for 499 yards and six touchdowns. In addition, he posted a 6-5 record as Indy’s starter.
Richardson had a few great moments last season. He had a game-winning touchdown run in Week 11 against the New York Jets. Then, in Week 13 versus the New England Patriots, he orchestrated a 19-play drive capped off with a two-point conversion.
This past offseason, the Colts signed Daniel Jones to compete with Richardson. Jones won the battle, emerging as Indy’s starting quarterback. Meanwhile, Richardson was demoted to the backup.
Should the Colts Trade Richardson?
The Colts have surprised everyone this season. They’ve started 4-1 for the first time since 2013. Jones is perhaps the main reason for the team’s success. The former New York Giant has revived his career and is playing like a superstar thus far.
However, there’s always a possibility that Jones could get hurt (knock on wood) or start playing horribly. With that said, the Colts need to keep Richardson around just in case something happens. The team also has rookie quarterback Riley Leonard on the roster. But he likely isn’t ready to contribute yet.
Jones might lead the Colts to the playoffs this season and emerge as the team’s long-term answer. If that’s the case, Indianapolis can then let Richardson go next offseason. But in the meantime, Richardson needs to stay put.
Main Photo Credit: Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
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