Should the Packers Trade for Colts Quarterback Anthony Richardson?
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers need a quarterback to back up Jordan Love now that Malik Willis signed a free agent deal with the Dolphins. The Indianapolis Colts and former first-round pick Anthony Richardson have agreed to try to find the former University of Florida star a new home. But does it make sense for the Packers to trade for Richardson before the start of training camp? The short answer is it depends on the price.
If they acquired Richardson, the Packers would be looking to replicate what they did with Willis. Willis was a third-round pick of the Titans. He started three games as a rookie but eventually lost the starting job to Will Levis. By training camp of 2024, Willis was third on the Tennessee quarterback depth chart.
Meanwhile, the Packers had two inexperienced candidates to be their backup quarterback behind Love. Through the preseason, neither rookie draft pick Michael Pratt nor second-year man Sean Clifford did enough to prove they were ready for action if anything happened to Love. So, GM Brian Gutekunst pulled the trigger on a trade for Willis in the week between the final preseason game and the first regular season game. The Packers sent a seventh-round pick back to Tennessee.
The deal turned out to be a steal for the Packers. When Love suffered an injury late in the 2024 season opener in Brazil, Willis was pressed into action and started in Weeks 2 and 3. He led the team to two consecutive wins and played well. Later in the season, he came off the bench and led the Packers to another win against the Jaguars.
Last season, Willis improved even more. He completed 85.7 percent of his passes, threw three touchdowns passes and no interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 145.5. He also ran for 123 yards and two more touchdowns.
The deal was mutually beneficial for Willis and the Packers. Willis improved his footwork and his ability to read defenses. He developed into a more complete quarterback under the tutelage of Matt LaFleur, who has a good reputation of working with and developing signal callers. After two successful seasons in Green Bay, Willis earned a big contract with the Dolphins and a chance to establish himself as a starting quarterback.
The Packers, meanwhile, got two seasons of very strong backup quarterback play. Ideally, your backup quarterback is someone who can help keep the team competitive and win a few games for you if your starter misses a few games due to injury. Willis did that and then some. In fact, the Packers would likely have missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons without Willis’ contributions.
Many observers see parallels between Willis and Richardson. Like Willis, Richardson has a strong arm and excellent athletic ability. Both are mobile quarterbacks who can buy time in the pocket or gain yards using their legs if plays break down. Richardson, like Willis, was also thrust into the NFL as a raw, unfinished product and needs to refine his game to become successful and salvage his pro career.
In three seasons with the Colts, Richardson has struggled. He has completed only 50.6 percent of his passes, well below the league average. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions and has a career quarterback rating of 62.5. His record as a starter is 8-7-0 in 15 starts. Richardson has gained 634 yards rushing in his three seasons with the Colts, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and running for 10 touchdowns.
Richardson has one season left on his rookie contract. His base salary would not be prohibitive for the Packers. Could he benefit from a season under LaFleur? Absolutely. He could improve his mechanics, become a more accurate quarterback, and restore his confidence. Would he be a potential upgrade over Desmond Ridder? He certainly would have a higher ceiling than Ridder does.
The Packers should offer the Colts the same deal they offered the Titans for Willis. Give Indy a seventh-round pick and see if they bite. If they don’t, the Packers could wait to see if the Colts release Richardson outright if they can’t trade him. Working with LaFleur and Love and getting a chance to play for a contending team would certainly be enticements for Richardson to sign with the Packers if he is ultimately released.
The addition of Richardson could be a win-win for player and team. But there is no need to overpay to get Richardson, especially since he has only one year left on his contract (Willis had two). We’ll see if Gutekunst is able to work out a deal, or if he can find a better backup elsewhere.
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Comments (57)
golfpacker61
March 21, 2026 at 09:56 am
I have read all these articles about the Packers having big interest in Richardson. I have to ask, WHY in the hell would we want an expensive, young QB who has shown absolutely nothing in the pros to warrant interest from anyone, let alone GB, who has money constraints and only 7 draft picks.
Richardson is no where near the QB Ridder is right now, and the practice squad QB we stole from the Eagles, Kyle McCord, is miles ahead of Richardson as well. McCord was also better than any draft QB we could pick after the 3rd round of the 2026 draft. McCord completed 66% of his passes in 2024 for 4800 yards, 34 TDs 12 Ints in his senior year at Syracuse. So he was better than Richardson, Pratt, or Clifford in college too.
Richardsons last year in college was his best, but he was really overdrafted for what he produced. His stats were 215 of 393 passes, 53 % completed for 3050 yards, 24 TDs 15 Ints and 600 rushing yards. Prett underwhelming.
Richardson's cap hit is $10 million and the 5th year option is $22 million. We can't afford anything 1/4 of that kind of money. It would cost us a pick that we can't afford either. I just can't see why we are worried about the backup QB position, we have 2 good, young options behind Love, and Ridder has extensive actual successful NFL starting QB experience while Richardson has been a disaster in Indy.
NO-NO-NO!!!! We have too many other actual needs and weaker position groups to rebuild now.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2026 at 10:07 am
Came to say everything you said, GolfP, so thanks for saving me the effort!
I also don't understand why everyone seems to be ignoring McCord. I think he and Ritter are both decent-to-good young prospects who will end up battling for the position.
That said, I keep picking up Cole Payton in my mock drafts...
Handsback
March 21, 2026 at 10:29 am
Golfpacker61, yep couldn't say it any better.
JMHO
Guam
March 21, 2026 at 10:59 am
GP61: I agree with you about not taking Richardson, but his cap hit for 2026 would only be about $5.4 million. The rest of his cap hit is signing bonus proration (another $5.4 million) which would stay with Indy. HIs 2026 hit isn't a huge issue, but he would likely be a one year rental unless he agreed to a much reduced new contract because you are correct, his 2027 option of $22 million is prohibitive.
I'd rather we keep Ridder and the draft choice.
dobber
March 21, 2026 at 04:42 pm
I'm not advocating for trading for Richardson, but I think you're right: if they did bring him in, they'd try to get him a one-year extension and a modest guarantee to keep his '26 hit fairly low and give him a chance to grow. Unless he gets on the field and plays significant snaps, which would only happen if Love gets crushed, Richardson's prospects for much better are pretty low.
MilkCan44
March 23, 2026 at 11:54 pm
Anthony Richardson? So we need another Wide Reciever? Well at least he could compete with Savion Williams to by our Deebo Samuels.
TarynsEyes
March 21, 2026 at 10:17 am
This isn't a serious thought in GB, is it?
Coldworld
March 21, 2026 at 10:21 am
No. Absolutely not. If we want a long term 3rd QB development project then draft Tyler Green late or pick up Haynes King as a UDFA. As has been pointed out, Ridder is currently a lot better as a passing QB than Richardson if we need a backup able to run our scheme. If we were to go to a more Willis-like approach, Ridder is athletic enough anyway, with a sub 4.5 40 and a 1.54 10 yards (9.6 RAS).
In terms of the future, if we want to develop oveg time, Richardson Green and King all need a lot of time and work. However, King and Green are probably able to be stashed on the PS (Green is riskier simply because he’s a such an incredible all around athlete, not that King isn’t stellar in NFL terms either) and are similarly athletic with great arms and possibly stronger signs of mental processing. Neither cost a draft pick in trade and both will be cheaper. No, no and NO.
Oxymoron 3339
March 21, 2026 at 10:41 am
I’m assuming you mean Taylen Green (Arkansas QB). I &would be on board with drafting him. Let’s shore up our O line so he doesn’t have to play.
Coldworld
March 21, 2026 at 12:39 pm
Yes, you are correct. Green may yet get way over drafted simply because of his athleticism. King is close to as athletic and has also got a good arm. I listed him as he may still be available after the draft (or a late 7th). Both are raw technically, but both offer similar physical potential to Richardson, who was grotesquely overdrafted.
golfpacker61
March 21, 2026 at 10:23 am
I have read 10 different articles about GB having serious interest in Richardson. Multiple ones that said GB has been actively talking with Indy about him. It could just be smokescreen Bull#hit but why? Smokescreens are usually to take interest away from another player, like in the draft. GB has many other big needs and QB is not one of them.
Handsback
March 21, 2026 at 10:33 am
Exactly, but if teams think you are taking a QB...they may make a trade to take that QB in the 5-7th rounds. This time of the year is all BS, nobody is showing their cards.
JMHO
dobber
March 21, 2026 at 04:46 pm
The Colts really don't have any pressure to move Richardson yet. There's more than a week between the draft, when teams that fail to find someone in the draft might suddenly become more interested in Richardson, and the fifth-year option deadline.
Coldworld
March 22, 2026 at 11:53 am
Are you suggesting that any team would seriously expect Richardson’s option to be exercised? If it is it’s fully guaranteed and can’t be reduced through a new deal, only incorporated. Even at the low end of the option cost for a a QB, that’s 22.5 million in one year (so cap hit too). I can’t see the Colts paying him that and I can’t see another team doing so either. Once exercised, all that accelerates if he’s cut. If he goes he’s either traded before then or cut before then, surely.
To be honest, I suspect Richardson/the Colts want to suggest a market and pundits see Malik moving and thus assume that we’d be a great fit. Willis did well, he’s gone, Richardson could benefit too. Overlay the myth of LaFleur as a QB whisperer and voila.
Who has LaFleur whispered to greatness? Willis and LaFleur have admitted that he had no time to do anything in 2 weeks but try and master as much of the playbook and, particularly. calling on the couple of weeks between arrival and starting, Nothing deeper than that in terms of journalism or factual basis I expect.
LambeauPlain
March 21, 2026 at 11:06 am
Is LaFleur unable to develop Ridder or McCord?
Why Richardson...because he is a former first rounder...who is living in bust territory? It happens...See former 2021 3rd overall pick Trey Lance on his 3rd team trying to stick with the Chargers as a $6.75 mil one year back up.
Richardson may just not be an effective NFL QB. Packers don't have the luxury of money or time to find out this year...more pressing needs. Hard pass.
dobber
March 21, 2026 at 04:53 pm
I'm not sure why we keep pointing to LaFleur: it's going to be on Luke Getsy and the other QBs in the room to have primary responsibility in growing any young QB they might bring in.
LambeauPlain
March 22, 2026 at 07:30 am
Responding to the article, Dobber:
"Could he benefit from a season under LaFleur? Absolutely. He could improve his mechanics, become a more accurate quarterback, and restore his confidence."
I rarely read an article about Willis that does not link his rise to become the starting QB for Miami to LaFleur.
dobber
March 22, 2026 at 07:53 am
That's fine...LaF gave him game plans--when he started--that worked for him, but he came to GB and was starting and playing well two weeks later. I'll keep arguing that he was "fixed" before he came.
I think Desmond Ridder is going to be the guy, and if he (or Richardson if he comes to GB) regains starting form in GB, then the evidence will start crossing multiple NFL-level QBs (Love, Willis, next QB) and I'll start to buy LaF as being some kind of QB whisperer.
golfpacker61
March 21, 2026 at 11:16 am
Bottom line is GB doesn't need any different backup QBs, not thru a trade or wasting a pick on one in the draft that is 1/2 as good as our practice squad guy. We don't need to waste a pick on Richardson who is a total bust.
If I was considering trading a 7th round pick for a player, it might be the Giants CB, Deonte Banks. A former first round pick in 2023 that they are said to be ready to move on from. He has size, speed, and skill, but has not gotten better since his rookie season. We would have to address his salary which is $2.6 or $4.3 million depending on who pays his signing bonus. But trading for Banks would at least get us a potential starting CB at a position of need, instead of a 4th or 5th string QB like Richardson. The Giants need WRs, I'll float a Wickes for Banks trade since Wickes name has been mentioned in trades so much. Hell, maybe they throw in a 7th round pick to get rid of the money on Banks.
DoubleJ
March 21, 2026 at 12:44 pm
I could see trading for Banks. I'd be willing to give up Reed for Banks and maybe get something back or Wicks for Banks straight up. In Banks's scouting profile it says he struggled with his back to the ball. Gannon's cover-4 scheme will keep his eyes on the QB which could play to his strengths. The only problem will be getting him for more than 1 year. With how he has played you cannot go and exercise his 5th year option so you have to hope to do a cheap 1 or 2 year extension.
gsd3
March 21, 2026 at 04:37 pm
I'd rather offer Wicks or Reed to Jacksonville for Jarrian Jones.
DoubleJ
March 21, 2026 at 05:41 pm
I could see that too.
Guam
March 21, 2026 at 01:49 pm
GP61: The signing bonus proration always stays with the originating team - it can't be "traded" to the acquiring team. Partly accounting and partly CBA rule.
splitpea1
March 21, 2026 at 11:16 am
Just because the Packers found a great backup option with Willis doesn't mean the same can be replicated with Richardson. Let's not get seduced by the athleticism and the high ceiling like the Colts did (what a terrible mistake with such a high draft pick!). Richardson needs serious improvement in all aspects of his game, and besides, the salary could be a problem. Right now Ridder is the more advanced and affordable option, so let's use those late round picks to hopefully find some quality depth in other areas.
Snap the ball
March 21, 2026 at 11:50 am
Come on
Bring in J J McCarthy when he’s cut
jont
March 22, 2026 at 11:01 am
😄
13TimeChamps
March 22, 2026 at 11:17 am
Snap is obviously a troll. I just can't decide if it's a burner account for ImaPayne or Stockholder.
Snap the ball
March 21, 2026 at 11:57 am
Pick up the Lance kid as QB. The one 49ers drafted
Snap the ball
March 21, 2026 at 11:59 am
Malik was willing to learn and listen.
Richardson is willing to cash the paycheck.
canadapacker
March 21, 2026 at 12:03 pm
And you know that how/why??
canadapacker
March 21, 2026 at 12:20 pm
I am going to say - and I mean this sincerely - you are only as good as your back up quarterback when your number one guy goes down. And if we havent learned that then we being dumb. Our recent adventures with Willis should prove that. Now I wouldnt give up a whole bunch and maybe even see if we could get Richardson with an extension ( with Richardson's buy in). Now it would be a win for us - and a win for him. We lost several opportunities when AR went down and our back ups - even though Flynn was pretty good - wasnt as good as Willis was IMO. So if we want to be sure and if the price is right - we need to sell this to Richardson's and his advisors. If he looks at what Willis did and how he got paid after he would jump at it. Especially after what Darnold did this year. If you have an organization that gets you repts and training and most importantly has the track record to develop back ups - such as Green Bay and San Fran - then you jump at it if you were a top prospect and had trouble with your early years. Here is a great opportunity for a guy like Richardson and a team like Green Bay. A guy who can run like Richardson while learning ( like Willis did) would be an ideal fit both ways. Thats my story and I am sticking to it.
golfpacker61
March 21, 2026 at 05:32 pm
Did you know Ridder ran a 4.5 40 @ the combine? He is very fast for a QB and he can actually complete passes unlike Richardson. And we are paying Ridder only $1.2 million. Why would we want Richardson instead?
canadapacker
March 21, 2026 at 07:28 pm
Because he is bigger stronger and has played more games - Now the caveat is the right price and potential for an extension that I have also said.
LambeauPlain
March 22, 2026 at 07:45 am
Trey Lance, another struggling first rounder, just re-signed to be the Chargers back up for one year for $6.75 Mil. I think that would be Richardson's starting point as a one year rental.
Ridder is already under contract for 2026 for $1.2 Mil and has a greater body of work in the NFL.
golfpacker61
March 22, 2026 at 12:24 pm
I read about that signing too Lambeau, that price is nuts for a player that has accomplished nothing. I earlier would have considered Lance for vet minimum, but I am very pleased with what we have at Backup QB right now, and I think other teams would be too.
McCord is a better QB than Richardson and Lance right now and has way more passing & decision-making talent.
Coldworld
March 22, 2026 at 09:53 am
Richardson has played 17 games (15 started) since 2023, with a 68 overall QB rating. Ridder has played 25 games since 2022 (18 started) with an overall 82 rating. So no, Richardson is not more experienced.
It is true that Richardson is was bigger at 6’4, 244 than Ridder at 6’3 and 211. For reference, Willis was 6’1, 219. There is no doubt that Richardson is the bigger run threat. There’s also no doubt that Ridder is the much better passing QB and perfectly capable athletically of doing more than he has outside the pocket—an area that represents the potential for growth that’s fairly low hanging.
The idea that Willis was effective simply because he could run is nonsense. He could run as a rookie. What changed was he had learned to play from the pocket, not panic and stay calm. By doing that he became a dual threat and could go through progressions. That opened up the value in his athleticism, not the other way around. That was what the pro scouts picked up on and what we saw throughout. We also had far worse options behind him when we signed him.
The idea that Richardson is a better option to back up Love at this point than Ridder is bonkers. Better athlete yes, but he may not be better than McCord as a true QB, ever. He’s not going to be a PS developmental prospect willingly.
There are as athletic prospects we might be able to stash on our PS and work on over a couple of seasons cheaper, if that’s what we want this year. At least 3 have been referenced in this thread. So we can grab an athlete and still have a better passer as an option if we want that over McCord (or similar): a more accurate pocket passer with limited mobility.
The idea of giving up draft and cap capital to acquire Richardson is as daft as the Colts drafting of him for multiple reasons, even if he represents a physical prototype one covets (and I do in isolation, as long as the in box presence of mind and processing is also there).
golfpacker61
March 22, 2026 at 11:21 am
Thanks Cold, you beat me to it. I was going to say to Canadapacker that he should look again and see who has started more NFL games in their career between Ridder & Richardson, he will be surprised. Ridder has had more success too.
Ridder is only making $1.2 million this year. Richardson is getting twice that.
Ridder is just a better pro QB than Richardson and if I am making a trade it won't be for a QB. In fact I would only make a player for player trade for a player at a position of need, not a QB who will never play a down in GB. Get me a young CB, Edge, or OL that some team is tired of.
ricky
March 21, 2026 at 01:20 pm
The Colts over-drafted an elite athlete, not a promising QB. It came back to bite them. If Richardson is released, maybe. But then sign him to two years on a team friendly, "prove it" contract for both years.
GregC
March 21, 2026 at 01:27 pm
I like the idea of a backup QB who can run, and Richardson has that going for him. If the coaching staff thinks they can whip him into shape, maybe he would be worth a 7th round pick. I wouldn't want to pay any more than that for a backup QB, though, especially one who is only under contract for one year. And considering how high Richardson was drafted just two years ago, it's hard to believe his value has fallen that much. There must be a team out there that would be willing to pay a little more for him and also give him a chance to compete for a starting job. But if not, maybe he could be an option for the Packers.
Coldworld
March 21, 2026 at 02:14 pm
Richardson was one of the worst athlete-over-play overdrafts in years. The Colts got caught up and burned. He scored a 10 RAS and that athleticism blinded them. The results were not only predictable but widely predicted. Let’s not fall for that too and certainly not pay for it. He may get another chance somewhere as a near minimum deal type SFA, but that’s about it. No team is trading for a speculative 3rd QB anyway. He’d have to be seen as the primary back up to justify that and, honestly, we’ve got better already and cheaper.
gsd3
March 21, 2026 at 04:19 pm
If that's what you want, draft Taylon Green. Have 4 years of development/ team control as opposed to 1.
canadapacker
March 21, 2026 at 05:14 pm
See above - we need something that can step in - lots of development Qb guys - put them on taxi squad.
Coldworld
March 22, 2026 at 10:09 am
Which is where Richardson should be and quite possibly will be in the future somewhere. He’s not ready to step up. That’s a fiction and fallacy. Until he shows otherwise he’s headed to an eventual release and/or position change.
golfpacker61
March 21, 2026 at 05:38 pm
Greg, I want a QB that can complete passes. Richardson completed 53% of his passes @ Florida. And he has completed about 53% as a pro. Ridder and the practices squad QB McCord are both around 65% for completion percentage.
Why would we waste our time and money and a draft pick to trade for him when we have 2 backup QBs who are way better already. Go and look at McCords highlights his last year @ Syracuse. He is head and shoulders better than Richardson.
Ridder can run too, a 4.5 40 at the combine. He is really fast.
dobber
March 22, 2026 at 08:10 am
He's can run, but his track record isn't one of a dynamic runner. He's had some fumblitis, but I think that's mostly in the pocket.
golfpacker61
March 22, 2026 at 11:18 am
Ridder inherited the problem that ruins alot of draft QBs and that is being drafted by a bad team. Couple the bad team/organization with a coach on the hot seat and that is a recipe for a QB to fail. Ridder was forced to start early in his career before he was ready to play at NFL game speed. He has completed well over 60% of his passes, the running ability is dormant at this point but could awaken with the right coaching and good O-line play. He is close to being as fast as Willis. QB coaches should teach the way AR used to step up and to the right to buy time.
It sucks to lose Willis, but I think GB is in better shape than most teams with the backups we have. McCord is very talented, a former five-star recruit at Ohio State. The Buckeyes usually have 3 five-star QBs on the team at 1 time so 2 of them will be odd men out. McCord realized his potential his last year at Syracuse, and if he had achieved those kind of stats in the 2025 season, it would have been a very close race for the Heisman. I like that he is a fast processor, most young QBs hold the ball too long.
Coldworld
March 22, 2026 at 11:30 am
Ridder is capable of doing more with his feet. That’s an area where we both need to improve him and should have a plan to. That would help with his fumbling and forcing throw issues potentially as well. Opening up his mobility might just transform him in fact.
I don’t write this as a particular fan of Ridder, but his biggest weakness has been his tendency to play like Manning in the pocket without the OL Manning had (or the extreme talent) when he has the physical ability not to need to.
It’s sort of the reverse of most QBs entering the league. If he can develop that even just to the point of evasion/extending plays, his passing ability would seem sufficient to elevate him to a long term lower end starter/top back up.
He’s played behind some pretty poor lines and on pretty poor teams and still managed an 80 plus rating. As a number 2 on the contract he is, I like the acquisition a lot. I hope we use the window to develop a young successor over time on the PS while he is here so that we can trade him or garner a comp pick enhanced by getting him to improve his use of his feet.
gsd3
March 21, 2026 at 04:17 pm
In a word, no. The only way I would part with a pick would be for someone who could step on the field and help now. Not for a project that you lose in free agency in a year.
dobber
March 21, 2026 at 05:00 pm
To be honest, I'd rather have Ridder or Richardson--both have played under fire in the NFL--than a day 3 rookie backing up Love. Richardson's not statistically good, but he's won football games and he plays hard...unfortunately, I don't think Jonathan Taylor comes with him.
relleum61
March 21, 2026 at 06:02 pm
If we want to go the flyer route, why not sign Zach Wilson? He has the same athletic attributes as Richardson and needs development. If nothing else, bring him in for a camp arm. He should be cheap and not cost any draft picks. Easy to sign...easy to cut if he doesn't pan out.
Coldworld
March 22, 2026 at 11:46 am
Wilson is really a similar not better athlete than Ridder and has been a less good QB. He’s more inclined to run when he shouldn’t rather than not run when perhaps he should. If we were going to take a flyer on an athletic veteran, he’d be cheaper than Richardson potentially, but id still prefer and add one of the raw, super athletic rookies. None of these options would seem very likely to improve us this year and potentially next over Love /Ridder though.
ArlenWilliams
March 21, 2026 at 09:05 pm
Trade 1 1/2 bratwursts for the man or less; no fries; no drink.
Next question?
Vachio
March 22, 2026 at 07:35 am
I'd be fine with the Packers signing him if he got released, but it's hard to get onboard with giving up assets for him and paying his current contract. If they could get him for no draft capital and a near vet minimum contract, fine.
WD
March 22, 2026 at 07:45 am
Richardson would be an absolute steal for a 7th rounder. If nothing else he wold be a great addition to the running game. In a cost benefit analysis the Packers have far more to gain than any loss. Hell, I would gladly give up a sixth round pick. Get out of your slumber Packer fans! We currently have NO backup QB. This is a no brainer!
BuckyBadger
March 23, 2026 at 08:44 am
Problem is he isn't a QB
TKWorldWide
March 22, 2026 at 08:54 am
Not even for a 7th.
No way.
BuckyBadger
March 23, 2026 at 08:44 am
Wouldn't trade for him. He will be released and a free agent soon enough. The kid can't throw. Not sure I would bring him on as a free agent. Great athlete but not sure where he fits on the football field.