Anthony Richardson Trade Rumors: Analyzing Potential Landing Spots and Fantasy Impact
The NFL is a whirlwind, and sometimes, even the most promising stars find themselves caught in the storm. After being surprisingly demoted to backup behind veteran Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson’s future with the Indianapolis Colts is uncertain. General Manager Chris Ballard has publicly stated that the Colts aren’t actively seeking to trade Richardson, but the NFL is a business, and anything can happen. Let’s dive into the potential landing spots for Richardson and what a change of scenery could mean for his fantasy football value.
The Indianapolis Situation: A Rocky Start
Selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson was supposed to be the Colts’ franchise quarterback. However, a combination of injuries and inconsistent performance has led to the current predicament. In his first two seasons, Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his rushing ability. In 2024, he finished with six rushing touchdowns, tied for third among all quarterbacks, behind only Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts. However, his passing accuracy and decision-making have been inconsistent, leading to turnovers and a lack of sustained success. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Richardson’s turnover-worthy play rate was among the highest in the league last season.
Head Coach Shane Steichen’s decision to name Daniel Jones the starter for the entire 2025 season signals a lack of confidence in Richardson’s immediate ability to lead the team. While Steichen claims he doesn’t want a “quick leash” on the quarterback position, the move speaks volumes about the Colts’ current direction.
Potential Landing Spots: Where Could Richardson Land?
If the Colts were to change course and explore a trade, several teams could be interested in acquiring Richardson’s services. Here are a few potential landing spots:
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are an intriguing option. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on a one-year deal and has hinted that this will likely be his last season. Behind Rodgers, the Steelers’ quarterback depth is questionable, with Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard as the primary backups. Acquiring Richardson would give the Steelers a potential long-term solution at quarterback, allowing him to learn behind Rodgers for a year before taking over. However, some analysts believe that Pittsburgh might not be the best fit for Richardson’s fantasy value, citing a lack of receiving options outside of DK Metcalf and tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freirmuth.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints’ quarterback situation is far from stable. With Derek Carr’s sudden retirement, the team is currently relying on Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough. Adding Richardson to the mix would provide competition and a high-upside option for the future. The Saints’ new head coach, Kellen Moore, could be the right coach to unlock Richardson’s potential. The Saints also have some decent offensive pieces in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, which could benefit Richardson’s development.
Cleveland Browns: The Browns have Joe Flacco as their starter, along with rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Adding Richardson would create competition in the quarterback room and provide a developmental prospect with a high ceiling. The Browns also have a solid offensive line and receiving weapons like Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku, which could make it a favorable environment for Richardson to develop.
Los Angeles Rams: The Rams are in “win-now” mode with Matthew Stafford at quarterback. However, Stafford has dealt with injuries, and his long-term future is uncertain. The Rams could trade for Richardson and have him learn under Stafford before taking over as the starter in the future. Head Coach Sean McVay has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, making the Rams an attractive destination for Richardson.
Fantasy Football Impact: Boom or Bust?
Anthony Richardson is a high-risk, high-reward player in fantasy football. His rushing ability gives him a high floor, as he can score fantasy points even if he struggles as a passer. In 2023, he averaged over 45 rushing yards per game, showcasing his potential to be a fantasy QB1.
However, his inconsistency as a passer and his proneness to injury make him a volatile option. In 2024, he played in just 11 games, missing time due to various injuries. His completion percentage was low, and he threw more interceptions than touchdowns.
If Richardson lands in a favorable situation with a good offensive system and coaching staff, he could become a fantasy star. However, if he ends up in a team with a poor supporting cast or a coach who can’t develop his passing skills, he could struggle to reach his full potential.
Dynasty Leagues: In dynasty leagues, Richardson is still a valuable asset due to his potential. Even though his value has decreased due to his benching, he’s still worth stashing on your roster in the hope that he gets another opportunity to start. Some analysts recommend trading for Richardson in dynasty leagues, especially in superflex formats, as his value is currently low.
Redraft Leagues: In redraft leagues, Richardson is a much riskier pick. Unless he wins the starting job, he has little to no value. Even if he does start, his inconsistency makes him a boom-or-bust option. Fantasy players should tread lightly when considering drafting Richardson in redraft leagues.
The Bottom Line
Anthony Richardson’s future is uncertain, but his talent and potential are undeniable. Whether he stays in Indianapolis or gets traded to a new team, his development will be closely watched by NFL fans and fantasy football players alike. If he can improve his accuracy and decision-making while maintaining his rushing prowess, he has the potential to become a star. However, if he continues to struggle with consistency and injuries, he may never reach his full potential.