The Indianapolis Colts hoped that Anthony Richardson would be their quarterback of the future when they took him fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, it’s become crystal clear that won’t end up being the case and that, if anything, Richardson will be on his way out of the organization.
Richardson likely won't be winning the backup quarterback job in Indianapolis, making him expendable. A team that could make sense for him might be down in Florida, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use a viable backup option for Baker Mayfield.
A recent trade proposal from Austen Bundy of FanSided came up with a trade proposal that would send Richardson to the Buccaneers in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
Indianapolis Colts could cut ties with Anthony Richardson in proposed trade
Bundy said that the Buccaneers make sense as a landing spot just in case something happens to current Bucs starter Baker Mayfield. Jake Browning is the backup there in Tampa, but, as we all know, he didn't show much when forced to start in Joe Burrow's place in Cincinnati a season ago.
Richardson probably isn't much of an upgrade, but Bundy made a good point, both about the lack of return for Richardson and why Tampa could be the perfect spot for a fresh start.
“Richardson's presence on the Colts' roster is just a financial drag and the longer he stays there the more returns for him are diminishing. Any team willing to buy wouldn't have to spend much but it's going to require some desperation to get a suitor on the phone,” Bundy wrote. “Handing Richardson the keys to an offense led by elite wideouts like Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin could elevate his game. If he plays anywhere close to the high-upside player he showed in 2024, Tampa Bay would have better bargaining power over Mayfield should his market be soft in 2027.”
Bundy argued that if Mayfield went down, Richardson could provide insurance and, with Tampa’s weapons, potentially give the Bucs leverage in contract talks if he played well. Mayfield has yet to sign an extension with the Buccaneers, so that's another angle to consider here.
For the Colts, yes, it'd be a bit disappointing to only get back a sixth-round pick, but at the same time, getting anything for Richardson at this point could perhaps be looked at as a win. Richardson would have the chance to sit behind Mayfield and, if given a chance to play, would have incredible weapons to throw to.
Indianapolis could officially put the Anthony Richardson era in the rearview mirror and move on for good. Win-win for both sides.
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