Lions could pursue trade for former top-5 pick quarterback who desperately needs a change of scenery

With Jared Goff set to return as the Detroit Lions' starting quarterback in 2025, the team added a familiar face and a rookie to serve as depth behind the veteran.

Detroit started by reuniting with Teddy Bridgewater in free agency, who is slated to be Goff's backup once again. General Manager Brad Holmes also signed Illinois undrafted free-agent quarterback Luke Altmyer to round out the position group.

Though Bridgewater and Altmyer are fine depth behind Goff, the Lions should keep their options open at quarterback, which could include trading for a former first-round pick who has been involved in trade talks for nearly the entire offseason.

Lions could be landing spot for Anthony Richardson

After signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a two-year extension this offseason, the Indianapolis Colts gave Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade. However, the trade market has been dry for the 2023 No. 4 overall pick, leading to him still being on the roster with training camp a little over a month away.

Richardson barely played in 2025 due to an eye injury, and though the Florida product has had his fair share of struggles in the NFL so far, he's also shown flashes that warrant a team taking a flyer on him.

Detroit has just three quarterbacks on its active roster, two of whom are over 30. Adding more youth to the quarterback room would be a savvy move by Holmes, and that could come by trading for Richardson.

Richardson's dual-threat playstyle would add versatility to Mark Brunell's group, and learning behind Goff and Bridgewater would be incredibly beneficial for the 24-year-old.

Additionally, it isn't out of the realm of possibilities that Richardson could beat out Bridgewater for the QB2 role. Though Bridgewater is far more experienced, he has barely played over the last three years, and Richardson provides far more upside.

Overall, landing with the Lions would be an ideal scenario for Richardson. He could have a Malik Willis-type career renaissance in the Motor City, which could eventually lead to another starting opportunity for the athletic signal-caller.