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Main Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Making the case for the Commanders to trade for former first-round quarterback

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Chris Pownall | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 6:46 PM ET

Could the Washington Commanders land a high-upside quarterback gem?

A young NFL quarterback with the capability of being a dual threat has caught the attention of a few different teams during this offseason. After being selected in the first round of the 2023 draft, Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson has shown moments of brilliance but has also had trouble with inconsistency and faced some injuries.

That said, he could potentially be a good fit for the Washington Commanders.

Since the Commanders will likely lose Marcus Mariota in the offseason, they will need another backup quarterback. Richardson’s dual-threat ability is much more like Daniels than Mariota is and should fit their offensive scheme. Richardson could be the dynamic backup that the team has been missing and could do so while working in a familiar coaching system.

Former coach Brian Johnson

Commanders assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator Brian Johnson previously coached at the University of Florida where Richardson played. Connecting with a former coach who's familiar with his strengths and weaknesses would be ideal for Richardson.

After spending a year or two under Daniels and this new system, he may even be poised for another starting position down the road.

Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Jayden Daniels had a historic rookie season with the Commanders in 2024. However, 2025 was not as kind to him. Daniels only played seven games due to injury and intentional benching because they were eliminated from the playoffs. Daniels' injuries led to Mariota taking most of the snaps in 2025. If Daniels continues down this path, Richardson could easily gain some meaningful starts if he did indeed back up Daniels in 2026.

Offensive scheme fit

The Commanders have since replaced former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury with David Blough. Blough joined the Commanders in 2024 as an assistant quarterbacks coach and was promoted after only two seasons. Blough's system will focus on mobility and developing arm strength for Daniels, which Richardson could benefit from as well.

Mutual benefits

For Richardson: This is an opportunity for him to force a hard reset on his career and play under a coach who knows him well in a system that caters to his style of play as a quarterback without the added pressure of being a starter from day one.
For the Commanders: It makes sense to bring on a quarterback with a similar style of play to Daniels who can learn under Blough’s new system. In the event of an injury, one would think it would be a seamless transition.

Could the Anthony Richardson to Washington trade happen?

While this trade is certainly just speculation for now, the reality is Washington could be an exceptionally good landing spot for Richardson. The chances of him landing a starting job are not likely, but joining a team with a coach who helped him develop in college can only be reassuring and help his career eventually. Out of all the potential suitors, the Commanders should be high on his list with the possibility of a reunion with former coach Brian Johnson.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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