Anthony Richardson isn’t expected to be traded. The young Indianapolis Colts quarterback has had a very disappointing start to his career. But the team is not looking to part ways with him just yet. However, Sports Illustrated’s Brock Vierra suggests the Colts should trade Richardson to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason:
“The Rams could get him for a third-round pick at the most but more likely a fifth-round pick. They may have to throw in a seventh for good measure, but who cares? The team constantly gets comp picks, and if Richardson doesn’t work out, he’s an easy-cut candidate. It’s a low-risk, high-reward deal for the most important position in football.”
Sure, Richardson could be traded next year if he has a bad 2025 season. But again, the former Florida star isn’t going anywhere right now.
Analyst Has the Indianapolis Colts Trading Anthony Richardson to the Los Angeles Rams
Richardson’s Tenure in Indy Hasn’t Been Pretty
The 2022 season was a horrible one for the Colts. They finished with a 4-12-1 record with Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, and Nick Foles each getting starts at quarterback. It was a mess, to say the least. Needless to say, the Colts needed to draft a franchise quarterback. They landed the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft and selected Richardson.
Unfortunately, Richardson’s rookie year was cut short due to injury. He played only four games for the Colts that season. He was supposed to be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate this past season. However, he missed time again because of injuries. Plus, he was temporarily benched in favor of Joe Flacco. While Richardson has showcased the ability to make plays with his legs, he has struggled mightily in terms of accuracy. And, of course, he has struggled to stay healthy.
Should the Colts Trade Anthony Richardson?
Vierra pointed out that Richardson could back up starter Matthew Stafford and be involved in Rams coach Sean McVay’s quarterback rehabilitation program:
“The Rams would give Richardson the time, the consistency, and the belief he needs to grow as a person first and as a player second. He would sit behind Matthew Stafford, he would participate in Sean McVay’s QB rehab program that just did wonders for Jimmy Garoppolo and he’s still on a rookie deal for the next two years. Richardson also has a fifth-year option.”
Without a doubt, Richardson could learn a lot from Stafford and McVay, who won a Super Bowl together in Los Angeles. But should the Colts give up on him and move on? The answer is no. No, they shouldn’t trade him to the Rams or any other team for that matter.
The Colts need to be patient with Richardson. He hasn’t had the immediate impact that fellow top-five pick quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels have had. No, he hasn’t won Rookie of the Year or led his team to an NFL championship game. Yet, he has the potential to become an elite dual quarterback. If he can somehow avoid the injury bug and improve his accuracy, he can be the star the Colts hoped he would be.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
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