Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson isn't a free agent yet. He might not be until next year. The team could even pick up his fifth-year option this offseason and keep him in Indy through the 2027 season. That wouldn't be logical, though, as the team hopes to re-sign Daniel Jones.
But let's assume that Richardson is outright released this offseason. The team doesn't appear to be thinking of doing that, but maybe if Jones is re-signed, AR5 leaves. The team would rather trade him than release him, of course, as at least a move such as that would bring back some value.
Los Angeles Rams expert Bret Stuter, who oversees FanSided's Ramblin' Fan, might be hoping for a simple release. He produced a recent article that speculates LA signing Richardson should the quarterback be made available in free agency.
Indianapolis Colts are likely not making Anthony Richardson available for the Los Angeles Rams
A bit of buyer beware, though. The issue with the quarterback isn't simply his on-field efficiency, but his ability to stay healthy. Neither aspect has gone very well in the NFL.
Anthony Richardson ending up with the Los Angeles Rams might be good for the player, but likely not for LA. Richardson has shown no consistency as far as accuracy, and he isn't exactly a great fit in Sean McVay's system.
Stuter writes, "What motivates an NFL quarterback? While we can speculate, the LA Rams know the answer. They have found the secret sauce to rejuvenate the careers of (Baker) Mayfield, (Carson) Wentz, and (Jimmy) Garoppolo."
The issue with the above is two-fold. Richardson doesn't have a career to rejuvenate because he's never truly been good in the first place. Also, Wentz was part of the Rams in 2023, but has only started six games in two years since then with two different teams, and his record is 2-4. He's thrown six touchdown passes but five interceptions. "Rejuvenate" doesn't quite fit Wentz.
Neither does it Garoppolo, who signed with LA in 2023, is still there, and has only started one game in the past seasons. His record in three years with a good Los Angeles team is 3-4, and he has nine touchdown passes versus 10 interceptions. In other words, the Rams are good as long as Garoppolo isn't playing.
Stuter also suggests that Richardson doesn't love the game anymore, which appears unfounded. The Florida product has never wavered in his affection for the game, even while the game hasn't loved him back.
The Rams expert writes, "Fans can debate the physical skills of young quarterback Anthony Richardson. But the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Colts quarterback is broken. That's right, after getting usurped by another struggling quarterback, Daniel Jones, he is struggling to find the passion for football that he once possessed...And we know LA can solve that lack of passion."
Anthony Richardson doesn't lack passion. He doesn't need to go to Los Angeles to reclaim it.
Still, Stuter is right about one key thing, and that is that the current Indianapolis Colts QB2 or QB3 (or whatever he happens to be in 2026) might need a simple change of scenery. Sean McVay is a brilliant offensive coach who might finally be able to unlock whatever issues with Richardson that Shane Steichen couldn't figure out.
Richardson likely would improve with Los Angeles. But let's be real. He can't get much worse for the Colts as he enters the final season of his rookie deal.