Steelers-Colts predicted to swap quarterbacks, draft picks in stunning offseason trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts are just two of the many teams that will reevaluate their quarterback rooms this offseason, and the two franchises are predicted to engage in a stunning trade involving the position.
Advertisement
Behind the Steel Curtain’s Jarrett Bailey predicts the Steelers and Colts will swap quarterbacks in a trade where Anthony Richardson heads to Pittsburgh, while Mason Rudolph makes the move to Indianapolis.
Bailey also has both teams exchanging draft picks in the deal: a 2027 seventh-round pick will go to the Steelers, and the Colts will acquire a 2026 fourth-round selection.
Here is what Bailey had to say about the trade and why it would benefit the Steelers:
Advertisement
“This is the quarterback route I’d prefer the Steelers take this offseason. It seems likely that Aaron Rodgers will return in 2026. If that’s the case, bring in a massive athlete with tremendous tools for Mike McCarthy to develop while he learns under Rodgers. This makes way for 2027 where Richardson, Will Howard, and whoever the Steelers take at quarterback will be the quarterback room.”
Richardson has been held back by injuries so far in his NFL career, but he hasn’t been a very effective starting quarterback for the Colts even when on the field, and he got his starting spot taken in 2025 by Daniel Jones.
With Jones impressing this season before suffering an Achilles tear, the Colts plan to move forward with the Duke product at quarterback, meaning Richardson’s days with the franchise are numbered.
Advertisement
Indianapolis could look to retain Richardson to be the backup, but giving him a fresh start would also be a logical move.
If Aaron Rodgers returns as the Steelers’ starting signal-caller in 2026, trading for Richardson to serve as a developmental project would be an exciting move. However, Pittsburgh could pass on a trade for Richardson and instead focus on developing Will Howard, whom they selected in the sixth round in 2025.
As for the Colts, trading Richardson for a high-quality backup with tons of starting experience in Rudolph would be a savvy move from general manager Chris Ballard. Rudolph could start a few games for Indianapolis if Jones isn’t ready for the start of the 2026 season.
Advertisement
Overall, Richardson desperately needs a change of scenery, and a trade to the Steelers would give him that. Additionally, he could have the chance to learn from a future Hall of Famer in Rodgers, whose chances of returning to Pittsburgh have risen since the Mike McCarthy hire.
More NFL news