Things could move very quickly to land Anthony Richardson a new home in the NFL, now that the Indianapolis Colts have granted the quarterback’s trade request.

ESPN”s Stepehn Holder was the first to report this news during the 2026 NFL Scouing Combine, and now all eyes are on which team in the NFL will land the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Despite recently doing an exercise like this, we decided to run another hypothetical scenario, examining what types of offers teams around the NFL might make to acquire Richardson. I was sent seven different offers from colleagues here at A to Z Sports and ended up choosing an interesting landing spot for the Colts QB.

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Vikings create major training camp competition with J.J. McCarthy

“The Minnesota Vikings are in a very interesting spot this offseason, and they need a quarterback in the worst way. They are in desperate need of an influx of quarterback talent. Richardson isn’t going to give them a baseline of consistency that they need to pair with McCarthy, but Richardson does give them a high-upsdie option to continue building around. Let him and J.J. McCarthy fight to earn the starting quarterback job.

The other intriguing element here is that Richardson could benefit from being around head coach Kevin O’Connell. It’s obvious he has all the tools and the willingness to take deep shots, both things that the Vikings need to successfully run the offense. If Richardson can continue his deep shots down the field, that could be enough to level out the offense enough to pair with an elite Brian Flores defense.” – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota

Offer:
Vikings send: Pick 97 (third-round)
Colts send: Anthony Richardson and Pick 113 (fourth-round)

Cowboys trade for yet another backup QB for Dak Prescott

“Quick disclaimer: I know this sounds like a crazy proposition. But is it? The Cowboys traded for Trey Lance in 2023 and for Joe Milton in 2025.

While acquiring Lance may have been a poor attempt to gain leverage amid contract negotiations with Dak Prescott, trading for Milton confirms they have a soft spot for betting on developmental QBs. Though Milton’s playing time was limited, it was bad. He ended the year with an on-target percentage that would have ranked behind 42 qualifying quarterbacks, per PFR.

I could see them being enticed by Richardson’s upside. But I wouldn’t see them giving up too much in return.” – Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports Dallas

Offer:
Cowboys send: Pick 150 (fifth-round)
Colts send: Anthony Richardson

Rams prepare for life after Matthew Stafford

“Sean McVay has wanted a dual-threat quarterback for years, and I believe that will be the next wave of his offensive evolution. If the Rams want to take a quick swing for upside here, why not try it with the former fourth overall pick in a draft class with little appeal at the quarterback position? Richardson has stated his desire to play for a coach from the Sean McVay tree, and who better to get a fresh start under than McVay himself? The Rams get a swing at quarterback with very little risk and plenty of upside.

This deal might be a bit of a win-win for both sides. The Colts get another swing at a top-100 pick and some wiggle room for next year, while the Rams get to move back into the 4th round, where they don’t currently have a pick. They will recoup their 4th rounder with a comp pick next year in my opinion, so they can afford to sprinkle in some additional incentive to get this deal done.” – A.J. Schulte, A to Z Sports Los Angeles

Offer:
Rams send: Pick 93 (third-round)
Colts send: Anthony Richardson, Pick 113 (fourth-round)

Browns add an intriguing training camp battle opponent for Shedeur Sanders

“Andrew Berry loves a good reclamation project and hasn’t been shy about taking those kinds of players on for the Cleveland Browns. Linebacker Devin Bush is the most recent one to work out for the Browns, and they’re in a position where it wouldn’t hurt to take on another for the 2026 season. Cleveland is adding to their quarterback room, consisting of Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. It’s just a matter of whether the addition comes through free agency, trade, or, less likely, the draft. 

If Cleveland can’t get a player like Malik Willis, Colts QB Anthony Richardson could be an option. It’s known that Cleveland’s new head coach, Todd Monken, likes a mobile quarterback. What he’s been able to do with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore was impressive, and Richardson brings a similar dynamic athletic ability, even if different. 

The Browns have 10 draft picks and could simply value Richardson over a would be fifth round rookie in what is a bad quarterback class. Richardson hasn’t had success in the league, but the tools are still there, and he’s just 23 years old. Currently, it’s expected that the Browns will have Watson and Sanders battling for the job. Completion is healthy, and the Browns are going to have it for their starting QB job. Throwing Richardson into the mix would be intriguing with Monken, and the best man would win out for the job if Cleveland made such a move.” – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Cleveland

Offer:
Browns send: Pick 147 (fifth-round pick)
Colts send: Anthony Richardson

Dolphins bring Anthony Richardson back home to Miami

“The Dolphins have been tied to quarterback Malik Willis in free agency, but as we creep closer to the start of the league year, the dollars keep drifting upward. As a result, Miami is probably going to need to open its mind to some alternative candidates for its current quarterback situation.

If they’re going to take a competitive swing in Year 1 of Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan, they may as well swing for the fences with a former top-10 pick at the position. It’s now or never for Richardson on his rookie contract, and his $5.38M salary is a lot more digestible than a free agent signing for Willis…if they can land him in this hypothetical trade.” – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami

Offer:
Miami send: Pick 90 (third-round)
Colts send: Anthony Richardson, Pick 113 (fourth-round)

Packers offer a player-for-player swap to land Anthony Richardson

“What about mixing up two trade concepts Brian Gutekunst has already pulled off? Back in 2018, the Packers traded CB Damarious Randall for QB DeShone Kizer. Two years ago, they moved a seventh-round pick for a physically-gifted AFC South QB in Malik Willis.

In this scenario, the Packers would get Willis’ replacement in a big-armed and strong passer to be developed, while keeping their picks and sending to Indy a player who’s talented, but has had some health issues and probably didn’t fit the roster as well as expected after signing in free agency.” – Wendell Ferreria, A to Z Sports Green Bay

Offer:
Packers send: Nate Hobbs
Colts send: Anthony Richardson

Steelers give Will Howard some competition to be the QB of the future with or without Aaron Rodgers

“Everywhere you look, the Steelers are linked to a quarterback. The last few weeks have seen outlets propose trading upcoming star Nick Herbig to places like Philly or San Francisco for quarterbacks Tanner McKee and Mac Jones, respectively.

Well, for one, that’s asinine. Secondly, if the Steelers were to truly trade for a backup that has a chance to be their starter, then it needs to be someone with an extremely high ceiling.

That’s Anthony Richardson. There are questions about his processing and quarterback play from an intangible perspective, but a traits-driven team like Pittsburgh loves to give second chances. They will love Richardson’s live arm and scramble ability, and it’s safe to say they could part ways with a day 3 pick for him.” – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh

Offer:
Steelers send: 2027 fifth that can rise to a third based on playing time
Colts send: Anthony Richardson

Arizona finds a potential replacement for Kyler Murray

“The future of Kyler Murray is cloudy, at best, in Arizona. The winds seem to be blowing toward him playing elsewhere next season, so he could be traded at some point this offseason. With Arizona not in a spot to draft Fernando Mendoza, pairing a veteran bridge QB with a player like Anthony Richardson makes a lot of sense.

Richardson has all of the physical tools in the world when it comes to arm strength, mobility, and NFL size/frame. His availability and overall development so far in his pro career have been the concern. With a potentially difficult season on the horizon next year for the Cardinals, taking this sort of high upside swing at QB in exchange for cheap draft capital needs to be on their radar.” – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports NFL Analyst

Offer:
Cardinals send: Pick 181 (sixth-round)
Colts send: Anthony Richardson

Winner: Dolphins land their Tua replacement

It’s clear that Anthony Richardson needs a change 0f sceneary, and I’m sure going back home to Miami, Florida would be a welcome move.

The Dolphins have already undergone significant changes this offseason by hiring a new head coach and general manager. The next expected move is for the team to find a way to move off QB Tua Tagovailoa. If they find a way to do so, they certainly could be in the market for a QB.

I’m sure the Colts would love to find a way to get an outright fourth-rounder to increase their pick total in the 2026 NFL Draft. But being able to gain an additional top-100 pick at 90 by moving Richardson and pick 113 is a 23-pick jump and comes in as a fourth-round trade package evaluation. I think this deal makes sense for both sides and would give Richardson a much-needed fresh start.

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