Surprising factor makes the Packers far more willing to pursue quarterback trade for intriguing toolsy player, but value has to be right
Anthony Richardson is fairly expensive, but his situation with the Indianapolis Colts is about to change soon.
The Green Bay Packers addressed the backup quarterback situation by signing veteran Tyrod Taylor and releasing Desmond Ridder. That doesn’t mean, though, that Green Bay’s front office wouldn’t consider a trade for a high-ceiling, developmental player at the position.
That’s what ESPN is suggesting. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler suggested that the Packers could trade a fifth-round pick to acquire Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. He mentions that Taylor’s modest $2.5 million salary doesn’t preclude the Packers from making another move at the position.
Significant financial consideration
If a team trades for Anthony Richardson right now, it would pay him $5.385 million earnings in 2026. However, Richardson has a roster bonus due on Aug. 1. After that date, the Colts would pay him the bonus, and the acquiring team would absorb only his $1.145 million base salary.
Any type of trade would become much more realistic into training camp and the preseason. Back in 2024, the Packers traded a seventh-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Malik Willis after the preseason and right before the regular season, so it would be some sort of repetition of that scenario.
“Why this deal makes sense: Richardson wants to be in a variation of the McVay-Shanahan-LaFleur system and took notice of what Packers coach Matt LaFleur did with Malik Willis. Green Bay signed Tyrod Taylor earlier this month but at a modest $2.5 million. With this trade, Indianapolis adds much-needed draft capital and moves forward with Riley Leonard as its No. 2 quarterback. And Green Bay asks Indy to cover a portion of Richardson’s $5.4 million in 2026 guarantees.” — Jeremy Fowler
Complicated situation
The Packers could theoretically invest in a player like Anthony Richardson. But a fifth-round pick does feel like a lot to give up in Green Bay’s circumstances. First, the Packers would like to keep their draft capital in 2027 after making just six selections this year.
Moreover, edge defender and now running back (with Josh Jacobs’ arrest) are more pressing needs than backup quarterback. Investing a fifth-rounder for a player who will most likely be a third-string quarterback, knowing he’ll become a free agent next offseason, doesn’t sound like a great use of resources.
Anthony Richardson brings an interesting toolbox at the QB position, but the Packers are not in the best position to make a move anymore. At least, not giving up that much.