Colts insider likes Vikings’ hypothetical Anthony Richardson trade offer

The Indianapolis Colts are going all in on Daniel Jones in 2026. Indy re-signed Jones to a massive contract extension just before NFL free agency. That leaves the Colts with a big decision to make about their former franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson.

ESPN published an article on Wednesday that included hypothetical trade offers for several NFL players, including Richardson. Four analysts pitched Richardson trades, with Seth Walder’s offer from the Vikings coming out on top.

Walder suggested that Minnesota send a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for Richardson.

“Richardson can come to the Kevin O’Connell school of quarterbacks and learn behind another mobile QB in Kyler Murray, who is on just a one-year contract with Minnesota,” Walder wrote. “Richardson’s deal expires in 2027, too, but his acquisition would give the Vikings more options going forward.”

The Colts gave Richardson permission to pursue a trade back in February. But there has not been much buzz around Richardson this offseason, despite a weak rookie class at quarterback.

Walder argued that a hypothetical trade with the Vikings could benefit both teams.

“In this scenario, the Vikings could keep both Richardson and J.J. McCarthy (though that’s a pretty risky backup room) or deal the latter in another trade,” Walder added. “For Indianapolis, it can land a little draft capital now in exchange for a third-string quarterback.”

ESPN also pitched the rest of Minnesota’s NFC North rivals (Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay) as possible destinations for Richardson.

Colts reporter Stephen Holder noted that any trade before August 1st would lock in Richardson’s pay at $5.385 million for 2026. That is quite expensive for a developmental quarterback who has dealt with multiple injury issues during his young career.

It will be interesting to see if Richardson’s market heats up during the summer.