After being selected to be the franchise quarterback in Anthony Richarson’s NFL future is up in the air.
Richardson’s future in Indianapolis is suddenly back in the spotlight, and one recent trade prediction has him landing with an AFC rival that could reshape the quarterback picture for the Steelers.
Richardson, once viewed as the Colts’ franchise cornerstone, has been benched for Daniel Jones heading into Week 1. That decision has already generated a lot of speculation between Richardson’s camp and the organization, with the young signal caller now looking to see what his NFL future holds.
With speculation now inside this building, general manager Chris Ballard could decide a fresh start makes the most sense for all parties involved.
This scenario, the Colts would land compensation in line with what the 49ers received in 2023 for Trey Lance, a similarly frustrating former top-five pick who was traded away after two pro seasons.
If Richardson does get moved, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as a logical landing spot. The team signed Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal, and while he brings immediate stability, the 42-year-old quarterback has made it clear this is likely his final season. Behind him, Pittsburgh’s long-term options are shaky at best.
Mason Rudolph is back but has yet to prove he can be a full-time starter, and rookie sixth-rounder Will Howard remains an unknown, especially after missing preseason action with a broken pinky.
As it stands, the Steelers only have Rudolph and Howard under contract for next year, leaving them with a glaring hole at the most important position in football.
Richardson would give the Steelers two distinct paths. He could serve as Rodgers’ understudy in 2025, learning under one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks while the Steelers remain competitive, or he could step into the role sooner if Rodgers’ season doesn’t go as planned.
Either way, Pittsburgh would gain a potential future starter without mortgaging its current window.
The Colts, meanwhile, could reset their roster with added draft capital while doubling down on Jones as the starter for now. It’s a bold move, but one that could define Ballard’s tenure in Indianapolis.
Whether the Colts truly pull the trigger remains to be seen, but with Richardson benched and the Steelers staring down an uncertain future, this prediction doesn’t feel as far-fetched as it might have just months ago.
