Expect Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson to be one of the biggest names this offseason as a potential trade target.
Although Richardson hasn’t played very well in the NFL so far, his tools and draft capital make him an extremely polarizing quarterback.
• Landing Spot #1: Los Angeles Rams
• Landing Spot #2: Pittsburgh Steelers
• Landing Spot #3: Houston Texans
Key Points
• Richardson has yet to live up to expectations so far in the NFL
• Daniel Jones had a fantastic 2025 season and could be the Colts’ franchise quarterback
• If the Colts decide to bring back Jones, that likely means the Richardson era is over
• In the case that the Colts decide to commit to Jones, trading Richardson seems inevitable
Quick Facts
Team: Indianapolis Colts
Player: Anthony Richardson
Position: Quarterback
Current Contract: 4-year, $33,994,031 (per Spotrac)
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Why the Colts Should Trade Anthony Richardson
Roster need: Quarterback after the Matthew Stafford era is over.
Timeline: The Rams are a contender in 2026, but also need to start thinking about the future.
Scheme: The Rams run a West Coast offense per Pro Football Reference.
Scenario 1 — Los Angeles Rams get Anthony Richardson; Indianapolis Colts get 2026 3rd round pick (No. 93)
The Los Angeles Rams are the most likely landing spot, and it was discussed as a possibility in our previous TWSN Rams article.
If Richardson can’t figure it out in Los Angeles, it’s tough to see him ever living up to those expectations as the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson has the talent, but he’s yet to put things together on a consistent basis.
Richardson has an elite arm, great rushing ability, and an ideal NFL frame at 6’4”, 244 lbs. These are all traits you can’t teach.
Getting to work with a quarterback with that kind of ceiling could be appealing for the Rams.
Fit: 10
Likelihood: 7
What Could Kill the Deal?
The risk in this deal is that Richardson just becomes another quarterback who has the tools but can’t operate an NFL offense at a high level. In this case, the asking price from Indianapolis is fairly high, which could kill the deal.
Scenario 2 — Pittsburgh Steelers get Anthony Richardson; Indianapolis Colts get 2026 3rd round pick (No. 98)
Rather than taking a shot on a quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft class, the Pittsburgh Steelers could bet on Richardson instead. The ideal scenario is that they get Aaron Rodgers back for another year.
That way, Richardson could learn under an all-time great. Even if not, the Steelers are going to be desperate for a quarterback and could be willing to part with one of their three, third-round picks.
Fit: 7
Likelihood: 6
What Could Kill the Deal?
Richardson is similar to Justin Fields, and that situation in Pittsburgh didn’t work out. If the Steelers feel this way as well, they would likely pass on taking this upside shot.
Scenario 3 — Houston Texans get Anthony Richardson; Indianapolis Colts get 2026 4th round pick (No. 106)
Of the bunch, this is the least likely, but it also might be a real possibility. C. J. Stroud had a very underwhelming playoff run and even regular season in 2025.
There are now legitimate questions about whether Stroud is the Houston Texans’ franchise quarterback. With Stroud set to become a free agent in 2028, this fits the idea of Richardson having time to sit and develop very well.
Fit: 6.5
Likelihood: 4
TWSN Call: Prediction
Of the three landing spots, the Rams sound the most realistic. With Los Angeles having the luxury of being able to sit Richardson next year, the fit is perfect.
Anthony Richardson Trade Scenarios: Bottom Line
Based on what we’ve seen over the last year, it seems like Jones is going to be the franchise quarterback for Indianapolis, even with his injury in 2025.
The Colts trading Anthony Richardson makes a ton of sense, and the Rams would be a great fit.
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