The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Anthony Richardson have reached a critical juncture, with both sides mutually agreeing to seek a trade partner for the former No. 4 overall pick. The development, first reported by NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe and confirmed by Richardson's agency, marks the potential end of a tumultuous three-year tenure in Indianapolis defined by flashes of elite athleticism hampered by persistent injuries.
As the NFL world descends upon Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the trade market for the 23-year-old signal-caller is already heating up. Early reports indicate that the Minnesota Vikings have surfaced as a frontrunner, with sources citing "mutual interest" between Richardson's camp and the NFC North franchise. For the Vikings, acquiring Richardson would provide high-upside competition for J.J. McCarthy, whose own development has faced hurdles since being drafted in 2024.
Colts Quarterback Trade Signals New Era in Indy
The decision to part ways comes after a frustrating 2025 campaign where Richardson lost his starting job to veteran Daniel Jones. Despite General Manager Chris Ballard's long-standing support for the young quarterback, the reality of the business has taken precedence. Richardson's time in Indianapolis has been a series of "what-ifs," limited to just 15 starts over three seasons due to a litany of injuries, including a season-ending shoulder surgery in his rookie year and a freak orbital bone fracture that sidelined him for the majority of 2025.
"We're not going to close the door on anything, but we have to do what's right for the organization," Ballard noted during his Tuesday media availability at the Combine, stopping short of confirming a deal was imminent but acknowledging the shifting landscape. With the Colts actively negotiating a multi-year extension to keep Daniel Jones as their franchise starter, Richardson's path to the field in a Colts uniform has effectively vanished. A trade now allows Indianapolis to recoup draft capital—likely a mid-round pick similar to the Trey Lance deal of years past—while clearing the way for Richardson to find a fresh start.
Minnesota Vikings Rumors: Why Richardson Fits the Mold
The Minnesota Vikings' interest in Anthony Richardson is rooted in Head Coach Kevin O'Connell's desire to bolster the quarterback room with elite physical talent. While J.J. McCarthy remains a key part of their future, his sophomore slump and injury issues in 2025 have forced the front office to seek insurance. The "reclamation project" angle is one that O'Connell has navigated before, and Richardson's ceiling remains theoretically higher than almost any other backup option available on the open market.
Financially, the move makes sense for Minnesota. Richardson is entering the final year of his rookie contract, carrying a manageable salary that wouldn't cripple the Vikings' cap space. This low-risk, high-reward structure appeals to a Vikings team that needs to remain competitive in a brutal NFC North while figuring out if McCarthy is truly the long-term answer. Pairing Richardson's rocket arm and mobility with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could unlock the explosive playmaking potential that was inconsistent during his time in Indy.
The Injury Factor: A Risk Worth Taking?
Any team trading for Richardson must be comfortable with his medical history. The 2025 season was particularly disheartening, as a pregame warm-up incident resulted in an orbital fracture that cost him nearly the entire year. However, recent medical checks ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine have reportedly cleared him for all football activities, with full vision restored. For a team like the Vikings, the gamble is whether a change in training staff and offensive system can help keep the dynamic playmaker on the field.
NFL Trade News 2026: The Market Landscape
Beyond Minnesota, other teams could enter the fray. Franchises in transition with unsettled quarterback situations—such as the Las Vegas Raiders or perhaps the New York Giants if they move on from their current options—might kick the tires on a talent of Richardson's caliber. However, the Vikings' aggressive approach and the schematic fit with O'Connell's play-action heavy offense make them the logical landing spot.
The trade timeline could move quickly. With the new league year approaching in March, both the Colts and Richardson's representatives are motivated to find a resolution before free agency fully opens. Getting a deal done during or shortly after the Combine would allow Richardson to integrate into his new team's offseason program from day one, a crucial factor for a player who needs reps to develop consistency.
What's Next for Anthony Richardson?
For Anthony Richardson, a trade represents a lifeline. The "bust" label has begun to circulate in national media, but at just 23 years old, his story is far from written. His raw tools—size, speed, and arm strength—are still in the top 1% of the league. In a new environment, free from the pressure of being the "savior" of the post-Luck Colts, he could thrive as a developmental piece with a path to starting if he can stay healthy.
As discussions heat up in the hallways of the Indianapolis Convention Center this week, all eyes will be on whether the Vikings pull the trigger. If they do, it could be the defining move of the 2026 NFL offseason trade market, potentially reshaping the futures of two franchises and one incredibly talented, yet enigmatic, quarterback.
