Anthony Richardson Trade Rumors: Best Landing Spots for 2026
Anthony Richardson’s future in Indianapolis is uncertain. Here’s a look at the most logical trade fits if the Colts explore a move in 2026.
Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson’s name keeps surfacing in offseason trade speculation.
Richardson barely played in 2025. He appeared in just two games, attempting only two passes (completing one for nine yards) and logging four rushes for minus-one yard. There were no touchdowns, no interceptions, and no meaningful sample size to evaluate. Any potential trade market would be built almost entirely on traits, draft pedigree, and projection, not NFL production.
Richardson, whose rookie season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, lost his starting job to Daniel Jones prior to the start of the regular season. His 2025 campaign went from bad to worse when he fractured his orbital bone during a freak incident during pregame warmups before the Oct. 12 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Still, Richardson is one of the most freakishly gifted quarterbacks in the NFL, and that's what makes this offseason fascinating.
If the Colts were to entertain trade inquiries, which recent reports suggest they will, here are four teams that make football sense.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta’s offensive identity leans heavily on the run game and play-action structure. Richardson’s mobility would mesh naturally with that approach. The Falcons wouldn’t need him to throw 40 times a game. Instead, they’d need him to stress defenses horizontally and vertically. Richardson and Bijan Robinson would be something.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota offers one of the league’s more quarterback-friendly ecosystems. Defined reads, strong pass-catchers, and a structured system could allow Richardson to develop in rhythm rather than rely solely on off-script ability. Kevin O'Connell is a quarterback whisperer.
Miami Dolphins
Miami appears ready for a complete rebuild, and it won't include Tua Tagovailoa. With their sights set on 2027 and beyond, landing a player like Richardson as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition makes sense.
New York Jets
The Jets' defense was terrible in 2025, and they'll likely focus a lot of their offseason resources on that side of the ball. However, they have no real answer at quarterback, either. Richardson’s ceiling could appeal to a team willing to bet on physical traits and patience. They swung and missed on Justin Fields. Perhaps Richardson will be the home run.
Here’s the bottom line: any team that trades for Richardson is gambling on upside. And whoever makes that bet will be a team that has nothing to lose.
Anthony Richardson remains one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the league. He just hasn’t been healthy enough to turn that into consistent results.
In a quarterback-starved league, that kind of upside is always worth a call.
