With the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins open to the idea of finding a new starting quarterback this offseason, an intriguing, high-potential option has emerged, and that player would come at a low cost.
This is going to be an interesting offseason for teams looking to switch things up under center. Outside of projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, this year’s NFL Draft class doesn’t have QBs drawing a lot of interest around the league. And the free agent market this offseason offers even fewer intriguing quarterback options.
So, for teams like the Vikings, Steelers, and Dolphins, they will have to be on the lookout for outside-the-box options to bring into their QB room for 2026. Well, a potential target that the trio of teams will probably consider could soon be available.
According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, “it’s becoming increasingly likely that 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. will be playing elsewhere” next season.
Richardson flew up draft boards three years ago because of his raw potential and elite athleticism. However, the former Florida Gators star was a major disappointment over his first three seasons as he consistently dealt with injuries and underperformed as a starting QB.
Why Vikings, Steelers, or Dolphins should consider an Anthony Richardson trade
It is understandable if many Vikings, Steelers, and Dolphins fans had no interest in a trade for Richardson because of how he has performed and handled himself during his first three seasons in the NFL. However, all three teams need new options in the QB room, and preferably for cheap.
Richardson’s damaged reputation around the game will certainly benefit the trio of teams if they check in about a trade. The Indianapolis Colts wouldn’t have much leverage in a deal and would see a move as an addition by subtraction situation. So, getting the fourth overall pick in 2023 for a sixth or seventh rounder is very possible.
Richardson is the perfect example of hoping a change of scenery could lead to a career turnaround. The Colts were not the only team that saw a huge amount of potential in the 6-foot-4, 244-pound quarterback. As competition in Minnesota for incumbent JJ McCarthy, Richardson makes sense. He makes sense as a backup who could learn and grow under Aaron Rodgers during a final season in Pittsburgh. And the Miami native returning home as a project for new head coach Jeff Hafley also fits.
Following a season where Sam Darnold won a Super Bowl, and Daniel Jones was an early MVP candidate after both were viewed as first-round draft busts, it’s worth it for the Vikings, Steelers, and Dolphins to consider a trade for Richardson.
