The 2025 season was supposed to be a quarterback competition between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. But the Indianapolis Colts chose Jones over Richardson.Then came the 2026 NFL Combine press meet, where the franchise owner, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, said that she felt horrible for Richardson with the injuries he’s had to endure, but she laid her trust in GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen to do the right thing (about Richardson’s future). Come the 2026 offseason, Richardson requested a trade after Indianapolis leaned toward Jones as starter. Jones’ contract was extended to two years. Now, the 2026 NFL Draft is on the verge, but the 2023 draft pick is still at a crossroads.Richardson has been linked to several franchises for several weeks now: the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta Falcons. With the draft approaching and the changed dynamics of every linked team, there’s a new projected landscape for Richardson now. Let’s check it out.
NFL Trade Rumors : Colts QB Anthony Richardson linked to Rams and Steelers
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell projected five landing spots for Richardson back in February: Minnesota and Los Angeles, along with the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most of them have QBs now. The Vikings signed Kyler Murray, the Dolphins acquired Malik Willis, and the Falcons locked Tua Tagovailoa.Now, only two franchises remain as top projections for the Colts QB: the Rams and the Steelers. Ryan Pawloski of Still Curtain projects Richardson for Pittsburgh, saying he could provide value. He is a former first-round pick, and his athleticism is undeniable.Pittsburgh has not heard back from Aaron Rodgers, and they declared Will Howard as their QB1, but their hunt for a QB may still be on. But talks about acquiring their former signal caller, Russell Wilson, just hit the news market, so there go the Steelers. As for Los Angeles, Matthew Stafford is returning for another year, but the franchise may be looking for a long-term solution at QB. So, Richardson could fit here. How?The CBS Sports analyst reports that Stafford is 38 years old. He is not looking at retirement after scoring 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025 and even winning the 2025 NFL MVP award. But the Rams may want to prepare for life after Stafford.
Indianapolis signal caller is like Donovan McNabb
Back in 2023, ESPN’s Louis Riddick reported that the Indianapolis QB mirrors former six-time Pro Bowler Donovan McNabb. “He (Anthony Richardson) reminds me so much of, during my time in Philadelphia, Donovan McNabb,” Riddick said. “As far as being big, strong, physical, the way he whips the football out of his hand and can still throw the football. He has elite mobility inside the pocket and outside the pocket. He can throw on the run; he can go ahead and break your arm. He has a 4-4 speed. Donovan could do the same things when he was at Syracuse. He could do the same things when he was at Philadelphia (Eagles).”McNabb recorded almost 33,000 passing yards, 216 touchdowns, and 28 rushing scores in 11 seasons with the Eagles. Matthew Stafford has collected over 64,000 passing yards, 423 touchdowns, and 15 rushing scores in 17 seasons. Now, if Richardson was compared to McNabb and Los Angeles needs someone for life after Stafford, could the Rams consider signing the Colts QB? Richardson is still under contract with the Colts.
Anthony Richardson contract with Indianapolis
According to Spotrac, Richardson signed a 4-year, $33M contract with Indianapolis in 2023, which included a $21M signing bonus, $33M in guaranteed money, and an $8M average annual salary. In 2026, he is scheduled to earn a $1.1M base salary and $4M roster bonus while carrying a $10M cap hit and a $10M dead cap value. His total career earnings through the 2026 season are $28M. As for the Rams’ cap space, Over The Cap reports it is $25M. Could Los Angeles sign him? Only time will tell…
