{"id":762271,"date":"2026-02-19T11:43:32","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T11:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/762271\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T11:43:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T11:43:32","slug":"who-should-trade-for-anthony-richardson-these-5-teams-make-sense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/762271\/","title":{"rendered":"Who should trade for Anthony Richardson? These 5 teams make sense."},"content":{"rendered":"

In a city known for racing, it could be the white flag that is waved on the Anthony Richardson<\/a> era in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

Richardson hasn’t requested a trade but it is beginning to feel “inevitable,” according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder<\/a>. If the Colts decide to move the 23-year-old, there should be no shortage of suitors considering the lack of quarterback options in free agency and the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n

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Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson was supposed to be the answer. Instead he has left more questions, despite possessing the complete toolbox with size, speed, arm strength, mobility and more. The Colts, and Richardson, failed to use those tools to craft the NFL’s next great quarterback.<\/p>\n

After losing the quarterback competition to Daniel Jones<\/a> in 2025, Richardson rode the bench as the team thrived. His season was later ended by an orbital bone fracture. Injuries have always been part of the story for Richardson, who played in just 15 of a possible 34 games through his first two seasons as the team’s starter.<\/p>\n

Jones is set to be a free agent, but he figures to be a possible long-term solution for Indianapolis. That leaves Richardson on the outside looking in and possibly on the trade market.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Here’s a look at some of the best landing spots if the Colts decide to trade Richardson.<\/p>\n

1 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

1. New York Jets – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n

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1 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

1. New York Jets – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n

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2 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

2. New York Jets \u2013 Arvell Reese, LB\/DE, Ohio State<\/p>\n

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3 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

3. Arizona Cardinals \u2013 Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n

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4 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

4. Tennessee Titans \u2013 Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n

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5 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

5. New York Giants \u2013 Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n

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6 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

6. Cleveland Browns \u2013 Spencer Fano, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

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7 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

7. Washington Commanders \u2013 David Bailey, DE\/OLB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

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8 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

8. New Orleans Saints \u2013 Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

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9 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

9. Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 Makai Lemon, WR, USC<\/p>\n

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10 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

10. Cincinnati Bengals \u2013 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n

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11 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

11. Miami Dolphins \u2013 Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

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12 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

12. Dallas Cowboys \u2013 Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/p>\n

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13 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) \u2013 Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina<\/p>\n

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14 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

14. Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State<\/p>\n

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15 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

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16 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) \u2013 Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State<\/p>\n

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17 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

17. Detroit Lions \u2013 Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn<\/p>\n

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18 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

18. Minnesota Vikings \u2013 Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

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19 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

19. Carolina Panthers \u2013 Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama<\/p>\n

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20 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) \u2013 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo<\/p>\n

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21 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

21. Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

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22 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

22. Los Angeles Chargers \u2013 Caleb Banks, DT, Florida<\/p>\n

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23 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

23. Philadelphia Eagles \u2013 Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia<\/p>\n

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24 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) \u2013 Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/p>\n

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25 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

25. Chicago Bears \u2013 T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson<\/p>\n

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26 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

26. Buffalo Bills \u2013 Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n

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27 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

27. San Francisco 49ers \u2013 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon<\/p>\n

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28 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

28. Houston Texans \u2013 Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

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29 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

29. Los Angeles Rams \u2013 Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama<\/p>\n

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30 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

30. Denver Broncos \u2013 CJ Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n

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31 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

31. New England Patriots \u2013 Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

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32 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl<\/p>\n

32. Seattle Seahawks \u2013 Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n

Anthony Richardson landing spotsLos Angeles Rams<\/p>\n

Matthew Stafford is set to return<\/a> for the 2026 season and there is no path for Richardson to start immediately, barring injury. However, it’s the structure here that makes it an enticing landing spot for the quarterback. Between Stafford and Sean McVay, Richardson would be afforded the same type of learning opportunity that helped revive Sam Darnold’s<\/a> career.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

While Darnold enjoyed learning under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco and Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota, Richardson could begin his redemption story with a stop in the City of Angels.<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings<\/p>\n

Speaking of O’Connell, Richardson also fits in seamlessly here. Unlike Los Angeles, the quarterback could potentially compete for the starting job here and soak up all the knowledge available to him. The Vikings have rostered Darnold and Jones in recent years, watching them go on to thrive elsewhere. Richardson wouldn’t have a tough room to face as presently constructed, with J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 season leaving much to be desired in a franchise passer.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Richardson has all the tools, and then some, to be the next success story out of O’Connell’s quarterback career rehabilitation program.<\/p>\n

New York Jets<\/p>\n

If starting is what Richardson wants, starting is what he would get with the Jets<\/a> \u2013 who are at the point where anyone with a pulse that can throw a football would suffice. The Justin Fields<\/a> experiment failed miserably, Tyrod Taylor<\/a> is a free agent and Brady Cook<\/a> showed that he isn’t the answer either. New York’s coaching staff enters the 2026 season already on the hot seat and they likely won’t have the luxury of drafting a quarterback at the top of the upcoming NFL draft.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

That means they’ll need to be creative to find someone to quarterback Frank Reich’s offense this season. The 23-year-old fits the prototypical size of a quarterback that Reich can be successful with, while also adding plenty of mobility. He is essentially a blank slate and talent has never been a question, making Richardson the type of dart throw they should make. It just remains to be seen if they are the right team to unlock him.<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins<\/p>\n

The Tua Tagovailoa<\/a> era appears to be coming to an end in Miami, potentially opening up another staring job in the league next season. Armed with a new regime and no real quarterback solution for 2026, Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan are also in the creativity boat that the Jets will board this offseason. Malik Willis<\/a> is a logical free agent to connect to Miami, given the new regime’s ties to the Green Bay Packers, but what if he ends up elsewhere?<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

In a season of transition for the Dolphins<\/a>, taking a chance on Richardson makes a ton of sense. Hafley and Sullivan will be afforded at least this season to begin reshaping the franchise. In the meantime, they can win over fans by bringing the former Florida Gators star back to his hometown. With a little luck, perhaps that move works in more ways than one.<\/p>\n

Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n

The 2026 NFL Draft’s weak quarterback class is a theme here. Just like the Jets and Dolphins, the Cardinals<\/a> are faced with the potential need for a new signal caller and options are limited. They own the No. 3 pick in a draft that has one quarterback at the top. Kyler Murray’s<\/a> future in the desert is uncertain and new head coach Mike LaFleur could want to start fresh.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

It’s unlikely that fresh start comes in free agency, unless they convince Willis to pack his bags for Arizona. That would leave the trade market if Murray is dealt elsewhere. For better or worse, the Cardinals are one of the more hidden NFL teams. They rarely, if ever, draw the attention away from the big markets out east and play in the shadows of the more successful teams out west. In other words, Richardson wouldn’t be in the spotlight as he tries to turn his career around and that could be beneficial for everyone involved.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Anthony Richardson best trade fits: Landing spots if Colts move QB<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In a city known for racing, it could be the white flag that is waved on the Anthony…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":762272,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[1504,390,2723,2772,7,194,345,2004,1519,493,89165,4827,1014,58,4097,32,251,233,259,255,6,1257,1878,1161,13625,38828,3452,11863],"class_list":["post-762271","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-anthony-richardson","tag-arizona-cardinals","tag-brady-cook","tag-daniel-jones","tag-football","tag-free-agent","tag-green-bay-packers","tag-indianapolis","tag-j-j-mccarthy","tag-justin-fields","tag-kevin-o39connell","tag-kyler-murray","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-rams","tag-malik-willis","tag-matthew-stafford","tag-miami-dolphins","tag-minnesota","tag-minnesota-vikings","tag-new-york-jets","tag-nfl","tag-quarterback","tag-sam-darnold","tag-san-francisco","tag-the-colts","tag-trade-market","tag-tua-tagovailoa","tag-tyrod-taylor"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116097127112250783","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/762271","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=762271"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/762271\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/762272"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=762271"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=762271"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=762271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}