New Colts trade rumor could lead to offseason deal with Packers, Steelers or Jets

Anthony Richardson's days with the Indianapolis Colts are numbered.

According to ESPN's Stephen Holder, the Colts have granted Richardson permission to seek a trade, which spells the beginning of the end of his disappointing tenure in Indy.

"The Indianapolis Colts have given QB Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade given his uncertain future in Indy, ESPN has learned," Holder reported.

The writing has been on the wall for quite some time that Richardson wasn't long for Indianapolis.

Indy passed up on Richardson in favor of Daniel Jones as the starter in 2025, and after he had a successful season before a season-ending injury, Jones is almost certainly going to be back in the starting job in 2026.

Indianapolis is also expected to roll with 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard as Jones' backup this coming season, which further makes Richardson expendable.

While Richardson's stock is about as low as it can get, there's a very good chance teams will view the 23-year-old as a reclamation project worth taking on.

Three teams that could have interest are the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets.

The Jets have the worst quarterback situation of those three teams. Justin Fields is a cut candidate and Tyrod Taylor is a pending free agent, leaving New York with no surefire starter or long-term solution on the roster for 2026.

The Packers have a starter locked-in with Jordan Love, but Malik Willis is going to depart in free agency for a starting job this offseason and that will leave a hole on the depth chart.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers still don't have an answer from Aaron Rodgers, and even if he does come back, the team is devoid of a long-term option on the roster until Will Howard proves himself as that guy.

Our favorite landing spot for Richardson of these three teams is easily the Packers after head coach Matt LaFleur revived the career of Willis over the past two years.

As a result, we would guess Richardson will have his eye on Green Bay, also.

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