Anthony Richardson’s time with the Indianapolis Colts appears to be winding down, and the preseason could be the stage that determines his next destination. Trade talks surrounding the former fourth overall pick are ramping up as training camp progresses, and a key financial detail is making him one of the most affordable quarterback options on the market.

The money makes an Anthony Richardson trade realistic

The catalyst for renewed trade interest comes from a detail highlighted by Evan Sidery: Richardson was paid his $4.2 million roster bonus due during training camp this season. That means any team acquiring him would only take on a $1.145 million hit in both cash and cap. For a former top-5 pick with the kind of physical tools Richardson possesses, that number is almost nothing.

Now look, it’s no secret the short-lived Anthony Richardson era did not go well in Indianapolis. Selected with the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has played in just 17 games across his career. He’s thrown for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, sitting at just below a 68 passer rating in those outings. It’s been a frustrating stretch for Colts fans and for that organization. I think trading him, if you can, is the right way to go.

The preseason audition matters

Here’s the thing Colts fans should understand: you should want Anthony Richardson to have the preseason of his life. Every impressive throw, every extended drive, every flash of that elite athleticism raises his trade value.

Indianapolis has some real opportunities to showcase him. Next week, the Colts hold joint practices with New England before taking on the Patriots in the preseason. The following week brings joint practices with Atlanta ahead of a matchup against the Falcons. And then they close the preseason against the Detroit Lions.

The Falcons are a particularly interesting case. Atlanta’s quarterback room has already taken some hits, with both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. dealing with injury problems. The Falcons brought in Cooper Rush as a veteran option, but they could look to go young and bring somebody like Richardson into the mix. Atlanta may not be the team that pulls the trigger, but I have a strong feeling that some team might soon. At $1.145 million, the price is right for a player who still has all the talent and all the potential. It just hasn’t worked out in Indy, and that happens sometimes.

What if he’s still on the roster in Week 1?

There’s also one more scenario worth considering. Richardson could make the initial 53-man roster heading into the Week 1 game against Baltimore, and that’s okay. Teams need quality backup quarterback options. The Colts do have Riley Leonard, and Daniel Jones is reportedly doing well coming off his Achilles injury… but things could drastically change in that quarterback room if Jones happens to go down again.

Keeping Anthony Richardson on the initial 53 doesn’t eliminate the chance to trade him. Players get injured across the league constantly. Something is going to open up for the Colts to move Richardson to a quarterback-needy team this season, whether it happens in the preseason or during the regular season. Also of note, the NFL emergency quarterback rule allows teams to hold an extra QB on their gameday roster. Richardson or Leonard could serve in that role.

I think one way or another, a door opens for Indianapolis to find a trade partner. Richardson can be a serviceable player in this league, and at that cap number, somebody is going to take a shot on him. I’m intrigued to see how it all plays out.