The Green Bay Packers are undergoing significant changes this offseason, having lost several coaches, including Jeff Hafley who accepted the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins. With free agency opening in March, many players, including quarterback Malik Willis, are expected to sign with new teams. Willis is widely anticipated to receive lucrative offers, possibly from the Dolphins, where he would reunite with Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan. By the 2026 season, Willis is likely to be playing elsewhere, which will create an opening at the Packers’ backup quarterback position.
In response, the Packers need to identify a promising quarterback to fill the QB2 slot. ESPN’s Stephen Holder recently reported that Anthony Richardson, the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, is expected to request a trade this offseason as the Colts plan to proceed with Daniel Jones as their starter. This development offers the Packers a potential high-upside candidate to replicate their success with Willis.
Why the Packers Should Consider Adding Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson’s time with the Colts has been challenging. Selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has struggled to meet expectations. Across three seasons, he has played in 15 games, starting with an 8-7 record, completing just 50 percent of his passes—177 completions on 350 attempts—for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Accuracy, passing touch, and game speed have been persistent issues, all concerns identified before his draft selection.
Richardson entered the NFL with limited starting experience in college, having 13 starts, which left questions about his readiness at the professional level. Additionally, injuries such as a shoulder problem and a fractured orbital bone have further stalled his progress. With the Colts opting to move forward with Daniel Jones, Richardson’s tenure with Indianapolis looks uncertain.
Comparing Richardson’s Situation to Malik Willis’ Earlier Career
The Packers’ previous gamble on Malik Willis illustrates how a fresh start and the right coaching staff can transform a quarterback’s prospects. Before joining Green Bay, Willis completed 35 of 66 passes (53%) for 350 yards, without touchdowns and with three interceptions across three games with the Tennessee Titans. However, the Packers evaluated his potential instead of his limited professional output.
Under new coaching and better support, Willis thrived. In three starts with Green Bay, he completed 70 of 89 passes (78.7%) for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. His performance when called upon was impressive, confirming the value of investing in developmental players who show traits that can flourish in the right system.
How Richardson Could Fit Into Green Bay’s Plans
With one year remaining on Richardson’s contract, the Packers could acquire him as a low-risk, high-reward option. He would provide quality depth at the backup quarterback position without the pressure of immediate starting duties, allowing him to focus on refining his skills. The Packers’ organization, having recently succeeded in developing Willis, might replicate that growth with Richardson given some time and patience.
This move would address the anticipated vacancy behind the starting QB, presenting a mutually beneficial situation: the Packers gain a promising talent eager to prove himself, and Richardson receives a fresh opportunity under a stable coaching regime. Such a decision fits into Green Bay’s broader strategy of finding and nurturing quarterback talent from unexpected sources.
It’s starting to seem "inevitable" that Colts QB Anthony Richardson will request a trade from Indianapolis this offseason as they plan to move forward with Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback when he can return from a torn Achilles, per ESPN's Stephen Holder.
Richardson… pic.twitter.com/FhaPFWs5yK
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 17, 2026
