Colts General Manager Chris Ballard could be dropping a huge hint that the team is close to an Anthony Richardson trade this offseason. As it stands, Richardson has yet to prove he is the future signal-caller of this organization after he’s been regressing as a passer in the past 2024 campaign. According to Bleacher Report, the Colts are not giving up on him yet despite failing to meet expectations in his second year in the league where his completion percentage has been dropping by 11% from his first season. The hope is that the organization sees some type of improvement from the third-year starter but that probably won’t happen since he’s already on thin ice.
After his recent benching last season, it’s hard to imagine there’s that layer of trust for the organization so that will be the biggest question this offseason. It doesn’t help Richardson’s stock since already missed 13 games in his rookie year in 2023 which he had to get surgery for and back issues in the first two games in 2024. His injuries and lack of capabilities as a reliable starting quarterback might put him back on the drawing board. However, the best bet is if he ends up depleting further in NFL Training Camp, the team should trade him to serve as a backup for another roster until he develops.
Colts GM Chris Ballard on Anthony Richardson:
“We’ve got to have a competition at the position just for the fact that, one, competition makes everybody better. And then, two, Anthony Richardson has not proven he can play 17 games.” pic.twitter.com/ESqKSk3gWK
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) February 12, 2025
Colts GM Drops Massive Hint on Anthony Richardson Trade – Could This Shake Up the League?
Next Possible Teams
Baltimore Ravens
No one is taking quarterback Lamar Jackson’s job as long as he stays healthy and plays in his elite form. However, the depth doesn’t look promising since losing Tyler Huntley as somewhat a capable backup. Josh Johnson is the current aging backup that they shouldn’t bring back for more seasons if they want to win ball games without Jackson. Perhaps, they could sign someone like Richardson to have a proven signal-caller who doesn’t need to be a starter but keeps this team intact if he becomes available.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh seems to be murky in the water. Russell Wilson is not expected to be back which favors Justin Fields to re-sign with the team. There has been no word on that but the team should be looking for a new backup for whoever takes over as the starter since retaining both seems unlikely. Richardson isn’t too proven but can learn behind this system and be a part of Mike Tomlin’s wing and get some lessons out of him.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr’s future in New Orleans is depleting as he has no desire to pay cut and the Saints have themselves a new head coach in Kellen Moore. They will likely release Carr and find a new veteran to take over the reins while Spencer Rattler continues to develop. Perhaps, they could take a shot trading for Richardson to see how he can compete against Rattler.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have their full trust in quarterback Bryce Young after benching him earlier in the 2024 campaign. With Andy Dalton likely leaving, the team needs a new pair of fresh legs as a capable backup who isn’t as much of a veteran as they had with Dalton. The Panthers might have to call up the Colts and see if Richardson is available for a trade to team up with Young.
Washington Commanders
For the Commanders, the ship has been turning in the right direction since new ownership took place and they found their next signal-caller in Jayden Daniels. However, since Marcus Mariota will enter free agency and find a starting job, the Commanders should be in the market for a backup. Maybe Richardson could be in the conversation and join Washington to turn his career around like how Mariota did as a backup.
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