Could Anthony Richardson be the Minnesota Vikings' next reclamation project? A surprising trade destination emerges, raising questions about their quarterback strategy.
Add another name to the Minnesota Vikings quarterback list. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is now being named as a potential option as the Vikings' quarterback search intensifies.
Bleacher Report's Alex Kay wrote as much listing the Vikings as one of the four best landing spots for Richardson. He wrote the following of the move.
"After going 14-3 with Sam Darnold at the helm in 2024, the Minnesota Vikings could be in the market for another rehabilitation project.
Richardson would fit the bill as a promising talent who hasn't come close to meeting the lofty expectations set by his first-round draft position.
While Minnesota will be working to build up J.J. McCarthy after a rough sophomore campaign, the No. 10 overall pick in 2024 has proved to be injury-prone early in his NFL career. He already missed his entire rookie season and seven games in 2025, making quarterback depth a priority this offseason.
Even if he doesn't profile as a potential starter for the club, Richardson would be a significant upgrade over Max Brosmer in the QB2 slot—especially if Minnesota elects not to retain fellow backup Carson Wentz."
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) watches the action on the field from the sideline Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Grace Hollars/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesComparing Richardson to Darnold is not the typical parallel one would draw. Both were high draft picks, and neither took hold of the starting quarterback position at their first stop. Richardson is still with the team that drafted him in Indianapolis. That said, if the Vikings are looking to add a true difference maker it's uncertain that Richardson is that guy.
In addition, the Vikings probably are not looking for a better second-string quarterback than Brosmer. The purpose of the frenetic search for quarterback is to find a new starter for the team, not to boost the level of depth. Minnesota needs to find a signal caller who can take the place of J.J. McCarthy and lead them to the playoffs in 2026.
Whether or not the Vikings add Richardson depends on how they viewed him coming out of college and how they view him now. Richardson was a controversial high draft pick because of the lack of production or experience with the Florida Gators in college. It's uncertain if he's done enough to shake that belief, but presumably Minnesota would have had to feel confident he would pan out back then if they felt strongly enough about making a move now.
We'll continue to monitor the Vikings quarterback situation as time passes.