Colts predicted to trade Anthony Richardson to traditional AFC power

Billy Heyen

Colts predicted to trade Anthony Richardson to traditional AFC power image

The Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Richardson era is looking like a failure.

The No. 4 overall pick in 2023 couldn't even win the starting quarterback job this summer. That went to Daniel Jones, the erratic former Giants QB.

That leaves Richardson on the bench, and he might be a trade candidate.

If he's moved, ESPN's Bill Barnwell has suggested a logical destination: the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers is expected to play only this season with the Steelers, leaving them in need of a quarterback for 2026. And the stable staff led by Mike Tomlin could be a solid shot at Richardson revitalizing his career.

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Barnwell suggests it'd only take a fourth-round pick in return in a trade for Richardson.

"Richardson simply hasn't been up to the task of playing quarterback at the professional level, but he also has thrown just 348 pro passes," Barnwell writes. "The Steelers wouldn't be on the hook for an exorbitant deal, as he is owed $1 million in 2025 and $5.4 million in 2026, all of which is guaranteed. If the Steelers think there's a possibility of him turning into a viable starter next season, the 23-year-old would be worth the risk, especially given their current alternatives."

Getting Richardson would lessen the need for the Steelers to take a quarterback in the first round in 2026.

It's a strong QB class, even if Arch Manning stays in school. But if Pittsburgh has a playoff-level season in 2025, the pick may not be high enough to get the passer they want.

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Richardson doesn't have to be the only future answer, either. They can still draft another guy.

It's just a chance for Pittsburgh to buy-low on a quarterback who still has plenty of talent, to see if he can finally realize some of that potential.

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Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle