Anthony Richardson has been granted permission by the Indianapolis Colts to pursue a trade after a challenging three-season period marked by injuries and limited success. The quarterback, drafted fourth overall in 2023, is now drawing attention from teams like the Cleveland Browns, who could offer him a promising environment for growth. The Browns recently hired Todd Monken as their offensive coordinator, known for developing two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson during their time together in Baltimore.
Potential Development Under Todd Monken in Cleveland
The Browns, valued at $6.4 billion according to Forbes, appear to be a potential landing spot where Richardson could refine his skills. Todd Monken’s experience coaching Lamar Jackson, whose playing style shares similarities with Richardson’s athletic ability, presents an attractive opportunity for quarterback development. NBC Sports analyst Matthew Berry highlighted this connection, suggesting that Monken could help unlock Richardson’s considerable athletic potential.
“A potential landing spot for him is Cleveland, where Todd Monken, who spent the last few years coaching Lamar Jackson, could try to develop Richardson’s considerable athletic gifts,” Berry wrote
Injury Setbacks and Backup Role in Indianapolis
Richardson’s time with the Colts was hampered by several injuries, including a notable eye accident, which limited him to only 17 games over three seasons. Last year, he was relegated to backup, behind newly acquired Daniel Jones, whose one-year contract worth $14 million signaled the team’s immediate quarterback preference. In those 17 games, Richardson accumulated 2,400 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, statistics reflecting his sporadic appearances and ongoing development challenges.
Colts GM Chris Ballard addressed Richardson’s progress amid these setbacks, acknowledging the difficulties the quarterback has faced and his ongoing recovery.
“He’s getting better,” Ballard said. “I’m proud of Anthony man. Here’a guy who has had to deal with a lot of injury stuff that happens. Unfortunate accident with his eye. He doesn’t win the job. Daniel wins the job. … Still got a ways to go, but he’s cleared to play and the eye’s getting better.”
Shannon Sharpe Advises a Gradual Approach Similar to Sam Darnold
Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe recommended that Richardson consider taking a backup role for a few years to develop his game before becoming a starter, citing Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold’s path as a model. Sharpe emphasized that Darnold’s time as a backup, including his stint with Carolina, was crucial to his growth and learning process.
“The Colts have given Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade,” Sharpe said. “You might have to be a backup for a couple of years. We look at Sam Darnold. Sam Darnold left, he went to Carolina, that wasn’t a greatt situation for him. And he said it was there where he learned how to play the quarterback position. … Maybe this is the wakeup call that he needed.”
Future Prospects and Career Revival Questions
The next phase of Richardson’s career hinges on his ability to recover fully from injuries and adapt to new coaching strategies. A move to a team like the Browns, with a supportive coaching staff experienced in maximizing mobile quarterbacks’ talents, could provide the trajectory needed to revive his career. Whether this fresh start will allow Richardson to overcome his recent struggles remains a central question among NFL observers and fans as he navigates this uncertain period.
Cleveland Browns supporters are watching closely as the franchise prepares for the 2024-25 NFL season, hopeful that strategic moves like this could enhance their quarterback position and overall team performance.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The Browns are a potential landing spot for Colts QB Anthony Richardson, according to @MatthewBerryTMR
“A potential landing spot for him is Cleveland, where Todd Monken, who spent the last few years coaching Lamar Jackson, could try to develop Richardson’s… pic.twitter.com/uI7e4it0mg
— JPA (@jasrifootball) March 2, 2026
Anthony Richardson went from having the Colts in the palm of his hand to just having his phone on his hand, waiting on the next team to call 😒
What do yall think is AR’s next step?@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco pic.twitter.com/A5F8Yf27OJ
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) March 1, 2026
