The Indianapolis Colts appear ready to move on from quarterback Anthony Richardson, with a trade likely in the offseason as the team prepares for 2026. After Daniel Jones emerged as the top quarterback for Indianapolis and is expected to re-sign, Richardson is anticipated to seek a fresh opportunity elsewhere to salvage his NFL career.
Though drafted fourth overall just three years ago, Richardson’s time in Indianapolis has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play, limiting his development as a reliable passer. Despite flashes of his athletic potential, the Colts and Richardson agree that a trade is the most practical solution for both sides moving forward.
Challenges Faced by Richardson in Indianapolis
Richardson’s tenure with the Colts concluded with an 8-7 record as a starter, which suggests moderate success but masks deeper struggles. He completed just over half of his passes (50.6%) for 2,400 yards, throwing 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions and enduring 21 sacks. Injuries, including a shoulder issue and an orbital bone fracture that impaired his vision, severely limited his ability to showcase growth during his rookie and sophomore seasons.
The arrival of Daniel Jones last year, combined with head coach Shane Steichen’s decision to bench Richardson during difficult stretches, effectively ended any hope that Richardson would become the franchise quarterback in Indianapolis. Nevertheless, his rushing skills have translated well to the pros, with 634 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 115 carries, highlighting his athletic upside.
At 23 years old with a 6’4”, 244-pound frame, Richardson still possesses physical traits that intrigue many. His elite combine performance showcased remarkable speed and agility, traits that remain his greatest strengths despite his struggles in passing consistency.
Richardson now aims to follow in the footsteps of quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Geno Smith, and Baker Mayfield—players who faced early career difficulties but eventually revived their trajectories with new teams.
Potential Landing Spot 1: Cleveland Browns
Since their return in 1999, the Cleveland Browns have cycled through 42 different starting quarterbacks, illustrating their continuing instability at the position. The team’s recent 2025 season saw rookie Shedeur Sanders start, but his performance did not guarantee a long-term role. Cleveland may view Richardson as an ideal competitor to push Sanders for the starting job.
Under new head coach Todd Monken, the Browns seek an offensive identity that could fit Richardson’s strengths. Monken, who led the Baltimore Ravens’ offense for three seasons, helped maximize Lamar Jackson’s skills, turning Jackson into the NFL MVP in 2023 and guiding him to a second All-Pro season in 2024.
Monken’s offensive schemes lean heavily on a mobile quarterback who can threaten defenses with both passing and rushing plays. Although Richardson is less polished than Jackson, his combination of size, speed, and rushing ability could allow him to thrive in a similar system. Cleveland’s run game, anchored by young backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, also supports a ground-focused strategy that aligns well with Richardson’s talents.
Still, Richardson’s passing must improve significantly to lead this offense successfully, and the Browns’ receiving group offers only modest help outside of tight end Harold Fannin Jr., a rising pass-catching talent. Nevertheless, Cleveland offers Richardson an opportunity to compete in a system designed to utilize his unique skill set.
Potential Landing Spot 2: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings enjoyed a 14-3 record in 2024 with Sam Darnold at quarterback, but questions about their long-term signal-caller remain. J.J. McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick, is still developing and has battled injuries, missing his entire rookie year and part of 2025. As a result, Minnesota needs quarterback depth and possibly a new QB2 or a developmental talent.
Richardson fits this description well, offering a high-upside candidate who hasn’t yet fulfilled expectations. He would represent a clear upgrade over current backup Max Brosmer, particularly if the Vikings decide not to retain veteran Carson Wentz.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell is renowned as a quarterback developer, having improved players like Kirk Cousins, Matt Stafford, Sam Darnold, and Josh Dobbs. Daniel Jones, who briefly worked with O’Connell while with the Vikings, praised the coach’s influence, describing the experience as impactful. O’Connell’s public praise of Richardson’s potential after Minnesota defeated Indianapolis in 2024 suggests the Vikings could provide an ideal environment for Richardson’s growth.
Richardson’s opportunity in Minnesota includes the real chance to compete for starts in case of McCarthy’s injury, positioning him to re-emerge as a viable NFL quarterback with veterans and coaching staff prepared to nurture his talent.
Potential Landing Spot 3: San Francisco 49ers
Though not the most obvious destination, the San Francisco 49ers could offer Richardson an excellent development environment under head coach Kyle Shanahan. While Brock Purdy holds the starting quarterback role, and Mac Jones may remain the primary backup, Richardson could use a potential third-string role as a redshirt season to recalibrate his approach and learn from one of the NFL’s best offensive minds.
Kyle Shanahan has a proven track record of successfully rehabilitating struggling quarterbacks. Sam Darnold’s turnaround post-New York Jets and Carolina Panthers failures was largely attributed to spending a season in San Francisco absorbing Shanahan’s offense without the pressure of immediate playing time.
ESPN analyst Kalyn Kahler quoted Jordan Palmer, Darnold’s private quarterbacks coach, describing Darnold’s 49ers year as a “redshirt year” comparable to “going to Harvard.” Darnold parlayed that period into a productive season with the Vikings and eventually earned a lucrative contract along with a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks.
Richardson could follow this proven path, opting to step away from starting roles temporarily to refine his passing mechanics, decision-making, and understanding of NFL offenses, ultimately positioning himself for a fresh start as a free agent in 2027.
Potential Landing Spot 4: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers face a pivotal offseason transition with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down and Mike McCarthy entering as the new leader. The franchise has struggled at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired after 2021, failing to find a dependable starter despite investing a first-round pick in Kenny Pickett and signing veterans like Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers.
Although the Steelers have maintained winning or .500 records, they have neither secured a playoff win since 2016 nor found a true franchise QB. Acquiring Anthony Richardson would represent a bold gamble, one with considerable upside given Richardson’s physical tools and athletic potential.
Richardson’s inconsistency as a passer—completing roughly half of his passes in most starts—poses a significant challenge, and McCarthy’s coaching staff would need to address these shortcomings aggressively. Nevertheless, for Pittsburgh, the risk is balanced by the reward of potentially landing a dynamic, high-ceiling quarterback.
Whether Richardson evolves into the Steelers’ long-term starter or his struggles prompt them to pursue a top draft pick in 2027, his arrival would at least provide a clear answer to a quarterback dilemma that has plagued the team for years.
Looking Ahead: A Critical Moment for Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson faces a crucial crossroads as the 2026 NFL offseason approaches. With the Colts moving forward with Daniel Jones, Richardson’s trade will likely signal a new opportunity to ignite his promising career. Each candidate team offers distinct benefits — from Cleveland’s quarterback instability and fit with Todd Monken’s offense, to Minnesota’s developmental culture under Kevin O’Connell, and San Francisco’s nurturing under Kyle Shanahan’s system, as well as Pittsburgh’s bold gambit with Mike McCarthy.
Richardson’s success will depend on improving his passing confidence and accuracy while leveraging his elite rushing ability. His journey could mirror other quarterbacks who initially failed but later flourished, making this offseason a key moment for both the player and any team willing to take a calculated chance on him.
