“Seven NFL Teams Make Bold Trade Offers for Colts QB Anthony Richardson as Market Explodes Amid Uncertain Future”
The NFL world is buzzing with speculation as seven franchises have reportedly submitted trade offers for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. In a whirlwind of strategic maneuvers, conflicting narratives, and rising tensions within Indianapolis’ quarterback room, the market for the athletically gifted but inconsistent young signal-caller is undeniably heating up. Richardson, drafted fourth overall in 2023, possesses transcendent talent—a cannon arm, explosive speed, and rare physical tools—but has struggled with accuracy, decision-making, and durability. Despite—perhaps because of—those flaws, several teams see him as a high-upside project worth investing in.
The Tennessee Titans, fresh off securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, are among the major players reportedly circulating trade talks. Titans are theoretically considering leveraging that top pick to acquire Richardson, along with additional early-round assets, in exchange for their No. 1—though some analysts, including those at Sporting News, suggest that the return currently being floated might not be enough to tempt them away from drafting their own quarterback prospect .
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in an intriguing position. A report from Heavy.com outlined a potential scenario where Cleveland could offer one of their rookie quarterbacks—Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel—plus a future mid-round draft pick in exchange for Richardson. This would give the Browns a cost‑controlled, high‑ceiling option under center for the coming seasons .
The Las Vegas Raiders, constantly on the lookout for a franchise QB, have also surfaced as potential contenders. According to Pro Football Network, the Raiders could offer a package of draft picks—including third‑rounders—to land Richardson, possibly moving on from Aidan O’Connell while keeping Gardner Minshew II as a bridge . Yardbarker, too, listed the Raiders among five logical trade partners, highlighting their desperate need for quarterback stability.
The New York Giants are another compelling suitor. They are in need of a high-upside quarterback, and analysts have drawn parallels between Richardson and Josh Allen—another raw, athletic passer who flourished under Brian Daboll’s offensive system. If the Colts were willing to part with Richardson, the Giants could offer draft capital that aligns with their rebuilding trajectory .
On the West Coast, the Los Angeles Rams have emerged as a sleeper option. Heavy.com emphasized that Richardson might thrive under Sean McVay’s tutelage and with the opportunity to sit behind veteran Matthew Stafford, learning the nuances of a pro offense before being thrust into a full-time role .
Financially minded teams are also weighing the cost: Richardson’s contract includes low base salaries over the next couple of seasons with a modest 2026 roster bonus. That cap-friendly structure makes him a tempting asset for teams looking for quarterback competition without heavy financial commitment .
Amid swirling rumors, the Colts themselves have firmly stated that Richardson is not seeking a trade. His agent confirmed that he remains in Indianapolis with intentions to compete—especially with veteran Daniel Jones now added to the QB room to vie for the starting job. Still, some analysts have not ruled out the possibility that teams have already been in contact with the Colts to gauge their interest—though most consider any immediate trade unlikely .
The narratives paint a complex picture. On the one hand, Richardson’s elite physical traits and rookie pedigree make him a tantalizing developmental piece. On the other, statistical red flags—like a league‑low completion rate in 2024—and recurring benchings suggest he remains raw at best .
Adding to the drama, social media and fan forums have lit up with commentary that underscores the volatile nature of Richardson’s reputation. One Reddit user cynically speculated, “This narrative is wild. Starting him was premature. Trading him now would be silly and premature,” while another argued that the trade rumors might be part of a strategy to “juice that market” and preserve his value . Another fan chimed in more bluntly: “Teams trade for not so good QBs all the time… but nobody is paying for Anthony Richardson”.
Despite the trolls and skeptics, the fact remains: seven teams have seriously engaged in trade discussions, underscoring a belief that something special lies beneath Richardson’s erratic production. The Warriors of cynicism may say he’s more project than pro-ready, but franchises always seem to flock toward QBs blessed with his athletic upside.
The coming months promise heavy drama. Richardson will enter training camp in a position unfamiliar to a top-5 draft pick: battling for a job instead of embodying the franchise. The Colts, weighing his volatile performance history against their future plans, may soon face an ultimatum—if Daniel Jones outplays him, Indianapolis could pivot hard toward a fresh QB direction, prompting a trade before his fifth-year option window closes.
For the interested teams, there’s a delicate calculus: is Richardson a boom-or-bust gamble worth trading picks for today, or is he better left as a low-cost developmental arm to be signed via other means down the road? Some, like the Rams or Giants, could offer structured environments ideal for nurturing his growth. Others, like the Raiders or Browns, may see him as an immediate spark plug on teams in flux.
No matter how it plays out, the attention alone has amplified Richardson’s profile. Stories of seven trade offers—true or near-miss—signal a league-wide fascination with his arc. Whether he transforms into the generational dual-threat many envisioned or becomes a cautionary tale of mismanaged talent remains to be seen.
As training camps open and preseason matchups materialize, all eyes will be on Richardson’s mechanics, decision-making, and leadership—qualities scouts say will determine whether he’s a potential long-term starter or a high-octane placeholder in search of traction. The Colts’ plans for a competitive quarterback battle will unfold under the gaze of an NFL still enamored with upside, especially when it arrives packed in a 6-foot-4, 240-pound athletic marvel.
The heat is rising—and with it, the stakes—for Anthony Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts, and the seven teams daring to gamble on raw potential. The market is onto something. Whether it becomes a fire or fizzles out remains the narrative yet to be written.