The Green Bay Packers see Jordan Love being their starting quarterback for quite some time. But this offseason, the Packers quarterback depth chart behind Love could still improve. On Tuesday, CBS Sports’s John Breech explored the possibility of Green Bay acquiring Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
The Packers trading for Richardson isn’t a new proposal. But Breech had a fresh trade pitch, proposing Green Bay send a 2026 fifth-rounder to Indianapolis for Richardson.
“The Packers have two fifth-round picks and if they can use one of those to acquire Richardson, then this deal would make a lot of sense for Green Bay,” wrote Breech.
“Colts general manager Chris Ballard didn’t close the door on a possible Richardson return in 2026, but a trade still feels more likely.”
ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported on February 26 the Colts provided Richardson permission to seek a trade this offseason. Colts general manager Chris Ballard told reporters the team has received calls on Richardson.
Richardson remains on the Colts roster although not at the team’s voluntary offseason workouts this week.
Indianapolis drafted Richardson at No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
How Anthony Richardson Could Fit With Packers
GettyCBS Sports’s John Breech proposed the Green Bay Packers acquire QB Anthony Richardson for a 2026 fifth-round pick to backup Jordan Love.
Since Holder’s report, pundits have suggested the Packers as a trade destination for Richardson. Other teams who were originally named potential landing spots have moved on to different quarterbacks while the Packers remain a possible trade suitor.
Green Bay could be interested in Richardson because of their unimpressive quarterback depth behind Love.
Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, the Packers have Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord as the team’s QB2 and 3. The Atlanta Falcons drafted Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he flamed out as a starter and has been a journeyman around the league the past two seasons.
McCord was a sixth-round pick last year and has never played in an NFL regular season game.
In Richardson, the Packers would have a high-upside backup, similar to what Malik Willis was when Green Bay acquired him in 2024. Willis kept the Packers highly competitive in December when Love sustained an injury.
Richardson’s Career With Indianapolis Colts
GettyThe Indianapolis Colts could still trade quarterback Anthony Richardson this offseason.
Richardson landed with Indianapolis as the third signal-caller off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft. He had limited college experience at Florida, which made him a raw prospect. But pundits argued he had an extremely high ceiling.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to former league MVP Cam Newton.
Injuries, though, consistently derailed Richardson’s tenure with the Colts. He started just 15 games during his first two seasons because of concussions and a shoulder injury. In 2024, the Colts also briefly benched him for Joe Flacco.
Last season, Richardson began the campaign as a backup to Daniel Jones. In October, Richardson fractured his orbital bone during pregame warmups, which landed him on injured reserve.
Richardson has posted an 8-7 record as a starter. But he’s appeared in just 17 games over three seasons. Richardson has completed 50.6% of his passes for 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
He’s averaged 6.9 yards per pass and 5.5 yards per carry with 10 rushing touchdowns as well.
Given that Willis landed a starting gig with the Miami Dolphins after serving as Love’s backup, Richardson could be highly motivated to land in Green Bay. It might be the best place for him to begin revitalizing his career.
New NFL Trade Pitch Sends Packers Former Top-5 QB to Back up Jordan Love