The Anthony Richardson trade rumors are not going away. After requesting a trade earlier this offseason and being told no, Richardson is reportedly still considered a potential move target by other quarterback-needy teams.
The Colts are publicly maintaining that Richardson is part of their plans. Privately, the conversations have been more complicated. Indianapolis spent a top-five pick on Richardson three years ago, has watched him struggle to stay healthy and consistent, and is now facing the reality that they might have made the wrong call at quarterback.
Richardson’s tape from last season was a mixed bag. The physical tools are still elite. He’s built like an NFL tight end, runs like a wide receiver, and can throw the ball 70 yards on a flat trajectory. The decision-making and accuracy have not caught up to the physical gifts.
The teams that have been quietly checking in include the Jets, Browns, and potentially the Steelers. Each has a quarterback situation that’s either unsettled or visibly broken, and Richardson at his price point could be a low-risk swing. Indianapolis would absolutely listen if the right package showed up.
The complication is what “the right package” means. The Colts spent a top-five pick on Richardson, and giving him up for anything less than a Day 1 or Day 2 selection feels like an admission of failure. Trading him for a third-round pick or a current player who hasn’t worked elsewhere doesn’t really solve anything for Indianapolis.
What the Colts probably want is a starting-caliber wide receiver, a veteran defensive player, or a top-of-the-second-round pick. Most teams looking at Richardson are not willing to pay that price for a quarterback whose accuracy issues have been on tape for two seasons.
Indianapolis also has to think about the locker room piece. Richardson’s trade request leaked publicly. That’s not a great look, but it also doesn’t mean he’s a clubhouse problem. The Colts have to decide whether the dysfunction is healed enough that he can be the starter again in 2026.
Shane Steichen has been Richardson’s biggest advocate. The head coach reportedly still believes in the prospect and wants another year to develop him. That endorsement is what kept the trade request from becoming an actual trade earlier this offseason.
The flip side is that Steichen’s job security is connected to the team’s record, and another disappointing year from Richardson could put both of them in a tough spot. Sometimes the longer you wait on a quarterback, the worse the timing gets for everyone.
If the Colts do move him, the most likely destination at this point is Cleveland. The Browns are essentially starting from scratch at quarterback after the Deshaun Watson situation, and Richardson’s physical profile is the kind of upside swing they could rationalize. The Browns have draft picks to spare and a willingness to take risks.
The Jets are the other realistic landing spot, though their offensive line situation makes Richardson a tough sell. He needs protection to develop, and the Jets have been one of the worst pass-blocking teams in the league for two years running.
Indianapolis is in no rush. They want training camp to give them another read on Richardson before making any final calls. The team has Joe Flacco as a veteran backup, so they’re not desperate at the position.
But the rumors aren’t going away. Watch August carefully.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
