Indianapolis Colts' star player Anthony Richardson has been a regular name in trade rumors over the last few months. Amid all the speculation, the Detroit Lions have emerged as a potential landing spot for him.
Which teams are interested in Anthony Richardson?
In the last few months, several rival teams have been linked to Indianapolis Colts' star player Anthony Richardson. According to NFL insiders, the Detroit Lions have been rumored to be interested in him.
What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?
A few days ago, Fox Sports' Greg Auman noted in a recent report: “Richardson actually has an 8-7 record as a starter, but a 50% career completion rate is alarming, with more career interceptions (13) than touchdown passes (11). He's rushed for 634 yards in 17 career games, but that's only a plus if you can improve his passing skills enough to keep him on the field.”
Auman added: “He's in a similar boat to Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis, pushed out by the team that drafted him and in the final year of his rookie contract, available for pennies on the dollar compared to his original draft value. POTENTIAL LANDING SPOT: Detroit Lions, who could use a developmental backup with Teddy Bridgewater as QB2.”
Contract details and salary cap implications
For the Indianapolis Colts, trading Anthony Richardson would instantly clear up $5.385 million in cap space, but the team would be hit with $5.43 million in dead cap. Interestingly, a new team trading for him would have to take on his guaranteed $5.385 million salary if the trade happens before August 1. After August 1, the Indianapolis Colts must pay his $4.24 million roster bonus themselves.
How could the trade impact the teams?
For the Detroit Lions, trading for Anthony Richardson is quite affordable for the team, which has over $18.5 million in cap space. The Indianapolis Colts' star player would also be an impactful addition to the team, as he would become a highly talented, low-risk backup player to sit and learn behind starter Jared Goff.
