Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is off to a strong start to the 2025 season. And yet, the Rams find themselves linked to a potential trade for a dynamic young quarterback thanks largely to head coach Sean McVay, or rather, his presence.
A new report from ESPN paints the Rams as an ideal potential landing spot for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. The No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 draft, Richardson lost his starting job to 2019 No. 6 pick Daniel Jones (New York Giants) this past offseason.
With Jones rolling, Richardson has become an even greater source of intrigue in NFL circles.
Rams Trade Proposal Lands Colts QB Anthony Richardson
Richardson, who turned 23 in May, has started 15 of 16 career games. He has an 8-7 record as a starter. Richardson has also completed 50.6% of his passes for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in his career.
Richardson ranks last in completion percentage, 33rd in touchdown rate, and has the highest interception rate among the 36 passers with at least 15 starts since 2023, per Stathead.
However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler presented Richardson as a project for the Rams in a trade.
“One intriguing option is Anthony Richardson Sr., who is stuck behind Daniel Jones in Indianapolis,” Fowler wrote on October 1. “My sense is Richardson would be open to joining a premier playcaller such as Sean McVay as a developmental player so he can reset for 2026.”
This Heavy Sports trade pitch would send future draft capital to the Colts for Richardson, similar to what the Denver Broncos did with ex-New York Jets No. 2 pick (2021) Zach Wilson in 2024, and keep the former Florida Gators star off the field until 2026 at the earliest.
Rams get:
Anthony Richardson
2026 seventh-round draft pick
Colts get:
2026 sixth-round draft pick
The Rams could trade for Richardson, knowing they have Jimmy Garoppolo behind Stafford and 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett on hand in an emergency.
Richardson is in Year 3 of a four-year, $33.9 million contract, and he will be a free agent during the 2026 offseason. Investing in him early could keep the cost down while building a valuable connection.
Anthony Richardson an ‘Interesting’ Trade Target
Stafford is also under contract through 2026 on a two-year, $80 million contract in what will be his age-38 season.
There could be several hurdles, though, including more desperate suitors.
“Richardson is an interesting one. I remember a couple of teams wondering whether Indy would be open to moving him during free agency. So far, they’ve insisted they aren’t, but you’re right. If Jones keeps playing well and leads them to their first division title in more than a decade, who’s to say the Colts don’t decide he’s their future at quarterback and sign him to an extension?” ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote in response to Fowler.
“Acquiring a starting QB at the trade deadline is tough, because in most cases it’s a guy who must learn a new offense on the fly. By the time he’s up to speed, it could be too late for him to save the season. That’s why someone like Richardson, whom teams might view for development in the long term, makes more sense.”
“There are situations that come up where a team with high hopes finds itself with a sudden need and might be willing to take the risks involved with bringing in someone from outside its system, right?”