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Browns named best fit for Anthony Richardson.
The Cleveland Browns could look to acquire an intriguing quarterback to compete for the starting job.
The Browns have been linked to adding another quarterback, whether that’s through the draft, free agency, or a trade. Cleveland could have several options, but one of the more intriguing names available is Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts.
NFL analyst Alex Kay of Bleacher Report named the Browns one of the best fits for Richardson if the Colts trade him.
“Acquiring Richardson would provide some serious competition for Sanders in training camp. And the dynamic dual-threat quarterback may even be a better fit for new head coach Todd Monken’s system,” Kay wrote. “Monken is a well-regarded offensive mind who spent the past three seasons coordinating one of the league’s most prolific offenses with the rival Ravens.
“The 60-year-old maximized the talents of star quarterback Lamar Jackson during their time together in Charm City. Jackson earned the NFL MVP award in 2023, Monken’s first year as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator. And followed that up with a second consecutive All-Pro campaign in 2024. Monken could deploy Richardson in similar fashion to Jackson. Leveraging the QB’s elite rushing talents to open the rest of the offense. While Richardson isn’t nearly as polished as Jackson, his size, speed and athleticism gives him the upside to develop into an even more potent rushing threat than the two-time MVP.”
Given the success Monken had with Jackson, Kay believes the Browns should take a flier on Richardson. The former fourth-overall pick is uber-talented and the cost to acquire him likely wouldn’t be too high.
Meanwhile, if it doesn’t work, the Browns could simply go back to Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson. So, it’s a low-risk, and potentially high-reward move.
Richardson Comes With Question Marks
The Colts selected Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and his name has already come up in trade rumors.
His time in Indianapolis is likely done, and the Colts will look to recoup some assets for him. Yet, although Richardson has plenty of tools to be successful, there are some question marks around him.
Richardson’s effort has been criticized, as well as his accuracy, which Kay believes could be the bigger problem.
“The biggest issue will be building up Richardson’s questionable passing skills,” Kay added. “It doesn’t help that Cleveland’s receiving corps leaves much to be desired. Although the Browns do have one of the league’s top up-and-coming pass-catching tight ends in Harold Fannin Jr.
“With a strong backfield led by the second-year tandem of Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson supporting Richardson, Cleveland could look to replicate Baltimore’s ground-and-pound attack that resulted in top-two rushing offenses in each of the last three seasons.”
Ultimately, Richardson could very well be worth a flier to acquire to see if he can be an answer at quarterback for the Browns.
Browns Searching for a QB
Although the Browns have Sanders, Watson, and Dillon Gabriel under contract, the team is still expected to explore the quarterback market.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said the team will keep all options open at every position. But most importantly, at quarterback.
“I think for us, I think I’ve mentioned it to at least all of you here, that we go into each offseason as if we have an expansion team,” Berry said. “Particularly a quarterback, where it’s the most important position in sports.
“We’ll always do research in terms of like what opportunities are available on the veteran market and in the draft market. We’ve got to hire a staff first. After that, we’ll certainly pick up the internal assessments with our own roster. But quarterback no different than a number of other positions. You know, we’ll spend a lot of time assessing what options are out there.”
Whether or not the Browns will make a move is to be seen. But, Cleveland will have options at quarterback.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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