With Anthony Richardson slated to start the Indianapolis Colts‘ first preseason game on Thursday night, there will be several teams keeping a close eye on the former high draft pick.
Since drafting Richardson with the No. 3 overall pick in 2023, the former Florida Gator great has failed to established himself as the future face of the franchise. He’s 8-7 in 17 appearances and 15 starts, but has completed only 50.6% of his passes, has thrown for 2,400 yards and has 11 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.
Anthony Richardson and the Colts want to end their relationship
Daniel Jones’ success prior to his injury last season coupled with Richardson losing favor within the organization led to a trade request earlier in the offseason. But he’s still on the roster now in the middle of August.
So as fans wonder when he will be dealt, it’s time to re-examine the two teams who might be watching Richardson in game action, as the Colts attempt to showcase him as their starter against the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots.
Still very clearly led by former two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, the Ravens could take a flyer on Richardson. Acquiring Richardson would allow him to learn under a similar type of athlete in Jackson and do so without any immediate pressure looming over him.
Trading for Richardson would provide a quarterback to groom in the event Jackson’s days in Baltimore eventually are numbered. A rough 2025 season and a changing of the guard with a new coaching staff in place has some speculating if a failure to get back to his usual elite form may give the Ravens pause about offering Jackson another massive long term contract — his current deal expires at the end of the 2027 season.
If the Colts prefer to ship Richardson to the NFC, the Buccaneers may be an option. Tampa Bay has enjoyed a career resurgence from Baker Mayfield in recent years, but the two-time Pro Bowler being in the final year of his deal and the team coming off a disappointing 2025 season has some wondering if the end is near.
Unlikely to move Mayfield, at least not yet, the Buccaneers could look to bring in Richardson as a security option if they know they need to turn elsewhere for the future. And even though Richardson would force the franchise to pivot away from “win now” mode, his talent and upside may be attractive, especially with his value in a place that the move would fall into the “low risk/high reward” category.