Anthony Richardson’s rookie year hasn’t exactly been a fairytale start. After being picked in the first round with high hopes, he’s struggled to find his footing, and his recent benching has unleashed a wave of trade chatter.
Colts fans are still holding out hope he’ll grow into the franchise quarterback they’ve been waiting for, but let’s be real—there are some trade rumors brewing. If Indianapolis actually decided to send him packing, a few NFL teams would likely be lining up for a shot at the young QB.
So, where could Richardson end up if the Colts make a surprising move? Let’s look into the best potential landing spots that could help him get back on track and reach his full potential.
4. New York Giants: A Fresh Start With Daboll’s Magic
The Giants could use a young quarterback with potential, and Anthony Richardson could fit that bill. Daniel Jones hasn’t quite delivered the franchise turnaround New York hoped for when they drafted him in the first round. Giants head coach Brian Daboll has a reputation as a quarterback whisperer, especially after he helped mold Buffalo’s Josh Allen into an elite player, improving his accuracy and confidence. Richardson, with his physical attributes and untapped potential, could benefit from that same mentorship in a Giants system craving an athletic and versatile QB.
While the Giants have shown faith in Jones, Richardson’s skill set aligns well with what Daboll has historically worked with. Daboll may find Richardson’s size, athleticism, and arm strength similar to Allen’s, creating a scenario where the Giants could justify taking a chance on him. New York fans might have to endure growing pains, but they could also be looking at a long-term payoff.
Also Read: What Led The Indianapolis Colts To Bench Anthony Richardson?
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3. Carolina Panthers: Potential Re-Do On A Quarterback Pick
The Carolina Panthers went all-in on Bryce Young in the 2023 draft, but things haven’t exactly gone smoothly. Head coach Dave Canales recently expressed cautious optimism about Young’s development, especially after his decent performance in Week 8. However, Canales and the Panthers’ front office might be more receptive to change if they feel Richardson’s athletic upside is worth a look.
While Young continues to develop, Carolina has kept the door open for changes if things don’t progress. Adding Richardson into the mix would create some competition and might encourage both quarterbacks to step up their game. Although the Panthers appear committed to giving Young his shot, the chance to bring in another first-round talent who could potentially take over might prove enticing.
2. Las Vegas Raiders: A High-Upside Bet In Sin City
The Raiders have faced their fair share of quarterback uncertainty this season. With Gardner Minshew as the current starter and Aidan O’Connell failing to make a significant impression, head coach Antonio Pierce needs a real answer under center. Pierce’s recent comments about Minshew’s mental struggles indicate that the Raiders may be looking for a young QB who can start fresh.
While the Raiders may seem a bit chaotic, they’re also one of the few teams that could offer Richardson the chance to grow with minimal immediate pressure. Las Vegas would give him time to learn the ropes without a constant media spotlight. And with the Raiders’ offensive weapons, Richardson could potentially flourish once he finds his rhythm. It would be a risk, but the Raiders are no strangers to making bold moves when it comes to their roster.
Also Read: How Many Challenges Can Each NFL Team Use In A Game?
1. Cleveland Browns: A Run-First System That Could Suit Anthony Richardson
The Cleveland Browns may be one of the best fits for Anthony Richardson’s skill set. Deshaun Watson’s future in Cleveland looks uncertain, especially with the possibility of a massive dead cap hit if the Browns cut him loose after the season. Cleveland could roll the dice on Richardson and utilize his rookie deal for a few seasons, potentially solving their quarterback dilemma without committing big bucks right away.
In Cleveland’s run-heavy system, Richardson wouldn’t be asked to throw the ball 40 times a game. The Browns have a solid running game, which could help ease the burden on Richardson, allowing him to play to his strengths as a dual-threat quarterback. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski might see Richardson as the perfect QB to thrive in their play-action-heavy scheme. Cleveland fans may be tired of quarterback experiments, but this one could offer a refreshing change.
What Does The Future Hold For Anthony Richardson?
Trading Anthony Richardson would be a surprising move from the Colts, but there’s no denying the idea has traction. Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin recently spoke out in Richardson’s defense, expressing his belief that Richardson is still the future of the Colts. If Richardson does get traded, he would likely garner interest from teams that could afford him the time and system to develop, rather than expecting immediate results.
While many Colts fans believe Richardson deserves more game reps and a chance to learn on the job, a surprising move like this could allow the Colts to secure valuable draft capital. The team might hope for a bigger return than what the 49ers received for Trey Lance—a fourth-round pick from the Cowboys. If the Colts receive a favorable offer, it might just be enough to turn heads in Indianapolis.
Also Read: Cameras Caught Colts QB Anthony Richardson Yawning At The Most Unfortunate Time
