Russell Wilson's Jets decision could impact future of Colts' Anthony Richardson Sr.

It was recently learned that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson rejected an opportunity to join the New York Jets and serve as a backup for Geno Smith to instead become an analyst on CBS’s "NFL Today" studio program.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is still hoping to receive a trade to a team willing to give him a fresh start and maybe a chance to earn a starting job at some point down the road. For a piece published on Thursday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US suggested that the Jets could eventually call the Colts about Richardson.

Colts want a younger backup after being turned down by Russell Wilson? 

"Some personnel execs suggested New York could look to deal for a younger veteran who could display some starting ability to fill the void that Wilson would have manned," La Canfora explained. 

La Canfora added that "it wouldn’t surprise rival execs" if the Jets pursued a younger backup to add to a roster that currently features 2026 fourth-round draft pick Cade Klubnik, 2025 undrafted rookie Brady Cook and journeyman Bailey Zappe. 

On paper, Richardson would be an upgrade over any of those backup options. The fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft is still just 24 years old and has won eight of 15 career regular-season starts. Perhaps learning from Smith, a journeyman who has been cast aside by multiple clubs, could help Richardson resurrect what was once a promising career. 

First-choice Indianapolis starter Daniel Jones is still recovering from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered on Dec. 7, 2025. The Colts reportedly are confident Jones will be good to go for Week 1 of the upcoming season, which is why they may sell Richardson to just about any buyer this summer. 

Jets could reject Anthony Richardson Sr. for this option?

La Canfora also mentioned that current Denver Broncos backup Sam Ehlinger could be an option for the Jets. 

"[Ehlinger] played for new Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich in Indianapolis and knows the system and can offer some things athletically that Smith cannot at this stage of his career," La Canfora wrote.

Reich and Co. would be saying plenty about how they view Richardson if the Jets either trade for Ehlinger or trust that Klubnik will be ready to serve as a QB2 by September.