The Indianapolis Colts don't really need quarterback Anthony Richardson anymore, as he could be no more than QB3 to begin the 2026 season. He has requested a trade, but as none has materialized, one might assume that no other team feels as if they need Richardson either.
This is where the Dallas Cowboys could potentially enter. Dallas has no proven backup behind starter Dak Prescott. Not that Richardson has a history of playing well, but he at least would offer Dallas more starting experience than the Cowboys' current QB2, Joe Milton.
The Cowboys also have Sam Howell on the roster, but at this point in his career, Howell appears on track to be a journeyman who plays for many teams but hardly ever sees the field except for one mediocre season. He started all season for the Washington Commanders in 2023, but has since been part of four other teams.
The Dallas Cowboys could be a landing spot for the Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Richardson
Richardson also has the kind of physical attributes that Dallas clearly likes. They want bigger quarterbacks with powerful arms, iffy accuracy (other than Prescott), and who can run well. What the Cowboys don't seem to care about is whether those raw traits can turn someone into an effective quarterback.
Milton and Richardson are similar in style and decision-making. As for the latter, neither makes quick on-field decisions effectively, and they haven't since college. Having that kind of player suddenly get better in the NFL is rare. Richardson hasn't shown he can improve with the Colts, for instance.
Still, Richardson being dealt to the Cowboys and then Dallas releasing Sam Howell makes sense. If a trade were to be worked out during training camp, Jerry Jones' team would have a full season of watching Anthony Richardson in practice and judging whether he is worth re-signing for another season.
That is the risk for any potential suitor for Richardson. The Indianapolis Colts didn't pick up his fifth-year option for 2027, which means the QB is a free agent next offseason. He isn't going to play in Indy unless Daniel Jones gets hurt again, and maybe if Riley Leonard can't play either, so teams thinking of signing Richardson won't have anything from 2026 to weigh his value.
This also means any team trading for him would be making sure that Richardson can fit into their culture and scheme. The quarterback would appear to be a solid fit with the Dallas Cowboys, and Jerry Jones doesn't mind taking a chance on raw ability.
The Colts shouldn't expect much back in return for the quarterback, no matter where he might end up. A conditional fourth-round pick could be the best that general manager Chris Ballard can do. If the Cowboys offer that, especially three days after Indy training camp begins, as the Cowboys would only have to pay Richardson $1.1 million in 2026, then Ballard should take it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google