Indianapolis Colts star player Anthony Richardson has been actively seeking a trade for several weeks, even as he continues to attend the team's organized team activities (OTAs). While multiple teams have been linked to the quarterback, the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions have emerged as the most likely landing spots, according to recent reports.
Which Teams Are Interested in Anthony Richardson?
Several rival teams have shown interest in Richardson, with the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings reportedly keeping an eye on him. However, nothing has been confirmed yet, and the situation remains fluid.
What Are Insiders Saying About the Trade Rumors?
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano recently predicted that the Packers and Lions could be potential trade partners for Richardson. They noted, “Richardson wants to be in a variation of the McVay-Shanahan-LaFleur system and took notice of what Packers coach Matt LaFleur did with Malik Willis.” Green Bay signed Tyrod Taylor earlier this month to a modest $2.5 million deal, and a trade could allow Indianapolis to add draft capital while moving forward with Riley Leonard as their No. 2 quarterback. The Packers might also ask the Colts to cover a portion of Richardson's $5.4 million in 2026 guarantees.
Regarding the Lions, Fowler and Graziano added, “Backup quarterback has been an issue for the Lions, as Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen have not been enough to stop the team from yanking Teddy Bridgewater away from high school coaching in Florida. General manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell tend to like quarterbacks with bigger bodies, so Richardson is a good fit. Campbell is an elite motivator who might help light a new fire under Richardson, either as a backup who prepares the right way or as a spot starter in the event of a Jared Goff injury.”
Contract Details and Salary Cap Implications
Richardson's contract presents a unique situation. If traded before August 1, the acquiring team would take on his entire $5.385 million guaranteed payout, including a large training camp roster bonus. However, if traded after August 1, the Colts would pay the bonus, reducing Richardson's salary cap hit to just $1.145 million for his new team, making it much more affordable.
How Could the Trade Impact the Teams?
- For the Indianapolis Colts: Trading Richardson would incur a $5.43 million dead cap hit but would clear the path for rookie Riley Leonard to develop as the primary backup without any quarterback drama.
- For the Detroit Lions: Adding Richardson would provide an impactful backup behind Jared Goff, addressing a long-standing issue at the position.
- For the Green Bay Packers: Acquiring Richardson would be relatively affordable and give them a capable backup who could step in without ruining playoff hopes if Jordan Love gets injured.
Richardson's trade value is expected to yield a late-round draft pick, likely a future fourth- or fifth-round selection. With his return to voluntary workouts, the situation remains dynamic, and a trade could materialize soon.
