Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. got an updated spot on the NFL Trade Block Big Board.
The Indianapolis Colts are home to an intriguing quarterback room ahead of training camp.
They're confident in starter Daniel Jones, whom they signed to a lucrative contract extension this offseason, though he is working his way back from a late-season Achilles injury. Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard are set to duke it out to be Jones' backup, while Easton Stick falls in line at the end of the depth chart.
Leonard was a sixth-round rookie last year who was forced into action a couple of times and impressed in that limited action. Richardson, on the other hand, is the Colts' former fourth-overall draft pick from 2023. Injuries and inconsistent play have derailed the first few years of his career, leading him to request a trade in February.
The Colts greenlit Richardson's trade request, but nothing has developed to this point.
Richardson ultimately reported back to the Colts during the offseason program, where the Colts insist he'll be able to compete with Leonard for the QB2 role while awaiting his situation to work out.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently put together a "big board" of the top players in the NFL who could be traded soon.
Coming in at No. 9 out of 10 on the big board is Richardson, whose projected value is a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2027, with potential suitors being the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
In early May, B/R had Richardson as No. 7 on the big board, with potential suitors being the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.
"The Indianapolis Colts signaled that they're turning the page on 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson when they signed Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million extension this offseason," Knox wrote. "However, this doesn't mean that Indy doesn't have a need for Richardson right now.
"With Jones working his way back from a torn Achilles, Richardson has value as an insurance policy.
"There just aren't likely to be many teams in need of a talented but disappointing (to this point) former first-round quarterback," Knox continued. "The draft has passed, and starting-caliber veterans are off the market.
"Still, Richardson should interest teams that need a long-term backup or future starter."
While no trade for Richardson has come to fruition yet through league events like the NFL Combine, the league meetings, and the draft, Richardson's trade value could soon increase.
Richardson being healthy again following a freak eye injury last year is encouraging. He participated in the Colts' OTAs and mandatory minicamp, and he didn't show signs of being hampered by any vision issues. If he can keep up the momentum throughout training camp and the preseason, another team may be enticed to bite.
As for potential suitors, Knox mentioned a pair of NFC North clubs in the Lions and Vikings.
Behind Lions starter Jared Goff are Teddy Bridgewater and rookie Luke Altmyer, so he could make sense as the backup behind Bridgewater, or at least over Altmyer.
The Vikings have been one of the most-often mentioned teams for Richardson throughout the process, but there may not be room for him. They have Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy battling for the starting role, while Carson Wentz provides backup, and then there's Max Brosmer to round out the group.
