Rams, Colts connected in blockbuster trade rumor

The Indianapolis Colts committed to quarterback Daniel Jones and gave former first-round pick Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade. A former top-five pick, the Florida product is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in recent memory. Blessed with elite size, speed, and a rocket of an arm, Richardson has all the physical tools to be one of the game’s elite quarterbacks. Unfortunately, he has yet to put it all together, as he’s struggled to stay on the field and has been one of the league’s least-effective passers when healthy.

With Jones locked in as the quarterback of the present, it makes sense for the Colts to trade Anthony Richardson to a team in need of a high-upside backup quarterback. While Indianapolis likely won’t get anything more than a late-round pick for his services, a handful of teams should be interested in seeing if they can bring out the best in the 23-year-0ld passer. In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Zach Bachar made his case for why the Rams should go out and get Richardson.

“Richardson’s representatives have been open to their client sitting behind a veteran and playing in a system that benefits his skills on a new team, per Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna,” Bachar writes. “If he’s looking for an experienced signal-caller to sit behind a proven head coach to play under, there aren’t many options better than Los Angeles’ duo of Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay.”

Colts, Rams Connected In Anthony Richardson Trade Rumors

Bachar’s proposal makes sense, as the Rams and Anthony Richardson appear to be a perfect match on paper. Given his underwhelming performance through the first four years of his career, Richardson does not currently have a market as a starting quarterback. However, nobody can deny his physical gifts. While the Colts haven’t been able to unlock his potential, a change of scenery could bring out the best in the former top-five pick.

Anthony Richardson will not steal the starting job from reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, but he could be the heir apparent. Stafford in now entering his age-38 season, has an injury history and has openly contemplated retirement in the past. He can’t keep this up forever, and the Rams don’t have a Plan B on the roster. Los Angeles has no issue with trading draft picks for proven veterans, so they probably won’t object to sending a late-round selection for someone with the potential to be a franchise quarterback.

On the other side of the coin, the Colts will probably take whatever they can get in an Anthony Richardson trade. Daniel Jones is firmly entrenched atop the depth chart, and sixth-round pick Riley Leonard played admirably during his limited appearances last year. Leonard’s more than capable of being the primary backup, so there’s no real reason for this team to keep Richardson on the roster.