Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) throws Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) throws Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
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Trade speculation swirling around former Florida QB Anthony Richardson

Former Florida football standout quarterback Anthony Richardson continues to be a point of interest in offseason trade speculation.

Multiple outlets have explored hypothetical destinations for the 24-year-old. Richardson’s future has become increasingly uncertain following an offseason in which his representation and the Indianapolis Colts organization mutually agreed to part ways.

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All four NFC North teams have emerged as sensible landing spots for the 2023 first-round pick, and all for different reasons. Detroit grants Richardson the opportunity to develop behind an established starter in Jared Goff, while Minnesota would prove a viable destination as head coach Kevin O’Connell has long been rumored to view Richardson as a No. 1 quarterback. In fact, throughout the 2023 draft cycle, O’Connell is believed to have coveted Richardson.

ESPN’s national NFL reporter, Jeremy Fowler, reported that Richardson’s camp is hoping to join the McVay-Shanahan-LaFleur tree. For the Packers, Richardson would replicate what they had in Malik Willis last season. Given their similarities as dual-threat quarterbacks, this could be another probable fit.

Both sides may prefer a trade to happen before the start of the 2026 season, but with mocks suggesting Richardson’s value has plummeted over the last year, it may be easier said than done. A fourth or fifth-round pick is what Sports Illustrated writer Noah Compton feels the fourth overall selection is now worth. The Colts may not feel inclined to take such a considerable hit in this scenario and could think the former Gator is more valuable as a backup.

In all likelihood, trade discussions surrounding Richardson will intensify as training camp approaches. His Aug. 1 roster bonus further complicates an immediate move, but the quarterback market often shifts dramatically once camps open.

Injuries, underwhelming preseason performances, and unsettled quarterback competitions can quickly create demand. Teams in need of a high-upside option would then be more incentivized to engage with the Colts about a possible transaction.

Richardson’s physical gifts have rarely been in question, but unlocking the Gainesville native as an NFL-caliber quarterback remains a mystery. Over the course of his three seasons in Indianapolis, Richardson has thrown 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He’s completing just over 50% and has a passer rating of 67.8, which would rank No. 49 out of 53 qualified quarterbacks in 2025.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Trade speculation swirling around former Florida QB Anthony Richardson

Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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By Michael Long, Gators Wire | USA TODAY Network

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