Could FA Deal Open Up New QB Trade Option for Steelers?
The Indianapolis Colts made a move at quarterback on Tuesday, agreeing to sign former Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. The Colts are paying Jones $14 million on a one-year deal to join the team, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, and that’s a lot of money for a backup quarterback, which immediately brings into question the future of supposed Indianapolis starter Anthony Richardson — and that should have the attention of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Colts drafted Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick out of Florida in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he has not lived up to that billing thus far.
In 2023, Richardson was paired with veteran Gardner Minshew, and beat him for the starting job coming out training camp, but Richardson played just four games before missing the rest of the season with an AC joint sprain and resulting shoulder surgery.
Las season, he once again opened as the starter, but missed time with an oblique injury, took himself out of the game for a play because he “needed a breather” in Week 8, and then was benched for veteran backup Joe Flacco.
Richardson returned to start five more games, before missing the final two with back and foot injuries. Going back to his time at Florida, Richardson has dealt with hip, hamstring, back, knee, shoulder and foot injuries, not to mention two concussions.
He also hasn’t played well at the NFL level when he’s been healthy. In 17 games, he has completed 50.6% of his passes, maintained a 67.8 passer rating and a 5.10 adjusted net yards per attempt.
He has rushed for 635 yards and 10 touchdowns, for a total of 21 touchdowns responsible for compared to 13 interceptions and 12 fumbles, four of which were lost.
Richardson has two years left on his rookie contract, plus a team option for 2027, so while he is far from a finished product, the Colts may not want to give up on him just yet, either. It’s likely the only way he leaves Indianapolis is if he demands a trade. It’s very unclear what the market might be like for him, with most quarterback needy teams making moves to shore up their positions already this week.
With the Steelers down to just a few options at quarterback, it shouldn’t surprise if Omar Khan checks in with the Colts about Richardson.