ESPN’s Bill Barnwell highlighted eight players who could be traded prior to the regular season starting, and of course, mentioned among that group was the Indianapolis Colts’ Anthony Richardson.
In Barwell’s proposal, the Colts send Richardson to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. Compensation-wise, this is comparable to what San Francisco got in return for Trey Lance when they sent him to Dallas. Lance was also a top-five pick, but didn’t have the game experience that Richardson does.
“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,” Barnwell wrote. “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.”
Aaron Rodgers is starting for the Steelers this season, but their quarterback situation in 2026 and beyond is a big question mark. The addition of Richardson would give them another option as he develops this season behind Rodgers.
Whether or not the Colts are actually looking to trade Richardson remains to be seen. Given what the organization has said all offseason, that isn’t going to be the case.
However, as Richardson’s agent told ESPN’s Stephen Holder, there is “a lot to discuss” with the Colts following the decision to make Richardson the backup.
And when it comes to Richardson’s long-term future with the team, as we dove into recently, that path is now extremely murky.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: ESPN sends Colts’ Anthony Richardson to Steelers in hypothetical trade