Anthony Richardson trade rumors: 5 best fits, most likely landing spots for Colts QB

The Indianapolis Colts plan to bring back Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback, but they have no plans to keep the QB he beat out for the job before last season. Anthony Richardson, whom the team drafted No. 4 overall in 2023, should be traded this offseason, per ESPN beat reporter Stephen Holder.

That decision is no surprise, given Richardson has no shot at regaining the job from Jones, a pending unrestricted free agent expected to be franchise-tagged. The Colts also have a promising backup in second-year sixth-rounder Riley Leonard.

The harder part is finding a team to trade for Richardson. Based on other recent fallen first-round QBs, the Colts can expect a fourth- or fifth-round pick in return.

Here's looking at the teams that should be most in the mix to explore a deal for Richardson as a veteran developmental project:

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Anthony Richardson's 5 best trade fits

1. Washington Commanders

The Commanders should be in the market for a new mobile, strong-armed backup behind Jayden Daniels with Marcus Mariota going into free agency. It would make sense for them to bring along Richardson, still only 23, in the new David Blough-led offense. Should Daniels encounter more durability issues in Year 3, they would have an easier pivot with a dynamic rushing QB filling .

2. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams know that Matthew Stafford is giving them at least one more season at 38 but they also should think more about the future with a younger backup with delayed starting upside vs. free agent Jimmy Garoppolo, who's now 34. Richardson would be an intriguing project for Sean McVay and his offensive stuff given his big-armed dual threat.

3. Cleveland Browns

The Browns, if they don't want to force a QB late in the first round of the draft (their second pick at No. 24 overall), they could instead take a cheap shot on a contingency for Shedeur Sanders. Richardson would be a good fit with Todd Monken, whose offensive coaching helped Lamar Jackson win his second MVP in Baltimore.

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4. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are on the radar for every available veteran QB, from signing Malik Willis or Kirk Cousins to trading for Mac Jones. But they also could bring in some youthful competition for J.J. McCarthy, who is also 23. Richardson would then have a shot at what Jones did to him and settle into a QB-friendly offense under Kevin O'Connell.

5. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers should be looking for a new Justin Herbert backup in the new Mike McDaniel offense as Trey Lance is set to become a free agent. Richardson has the same big arm and athletic profile as Lance and is a couple of years younger. Like going to L.A. with the Rams, this would be a surefire backup situation, but also a path for Richardson to rebuild his stock a la Willis as the No. 2 to Jordan Love in Green Bay.