Website Spreads False Info about Splashy Vikings Trade
Don’t fall for it. The Minnesota Vikings have not traded for Anthony Richardson.
One website falsely claimed the Vikings traded for Anthony Richardson. Here’s what really happened — and why the article should quickly fizzle.
A site called “The Wrightway Network” reported this week that Minnesota has made a deal for Richardson, an example of headline-baiting that takes the cake for falsehoods.
Minnesota has not made any trades since the draft.
Anthony Richardson Erroneously Reported a Non-Existent Vikings Trade
The information was simply made up.
TWSN Claims Vikings Traded for Anthony Richardson
Marissa Myers of TWSN wrote about the fake trade, “Indianapolis Colts Trade Anthony Richardson to the Minnesota Vikings. The Minnesota Vikings are entering their first season with JJ McCarthy as their new franchise quarterback. With McCarthy returning from a knee injury that kept him sidelined throughout all of his rookie season, easing him back in will be crucial for the Vikings.”
“If McCarthy has to miss anytime again this season, though, the depth behind him in the room isn’t too inspiring as it is just Sam Howell and Brett Rypien. Coincidentally enough, the Vikings had Daniel Jones as the backup on the roster last season, but saw him choose to sign with the Colts instead of signing back.”
The article’s title is categorically false.
She continued, “In a full circle moment, the Vikings could just end up trading for the quarterback who Jones left to compete with in Anthony Richardson. This move for Anthony Richardson would result in Richardson being on the bench as the backup behind McCarthy, but it would also be a situation beneficial for Richardson.”
“Much like it was for Daniel Jones last season, being able to learn from an offensive-minded coach like Kevin O’Connell could do Richardson some good and give him the best situation to advance his development.”
Totally Made Up Headline
So, here’s what happened: TWSN wants to capitalize on the shock value of a high-profile trade to attract readers to the article. Then — that site does this daily — it dials back the rhetoric to suggest what a trade might look like, while still earning money from your traffic.
The headline lures a gullible reader in, only to write a theoretical article in the body of the text.
It’s egregious clickbait that should not be taken seriously.
Richardson Could, in Theory, Make Sense for the Vikings in the Future
The irony? If Richardson eventually flames out in Indianapolis, Richardson could be a QB2 option for Minnesota behind J.J. McCarthy.
That idea likely wouldn’t heat up until next offseason, depending on this summer’s winner of Richardson’s camp and preseason battle with former Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones.
Minnesota is now the spot for underperforming quarterbacks to reclaim their careers. Richardson would make sense as the next candidate.
It’s just that a real trade hasn’t happened, as reported by TWSN.
Daniel Jones in the Mix Out in Indy
Richardson will vie for the QB1 title with the Colts against Jones, who spent time with the Vikings in 2024. Minnesota grabbed Jones when the New York Giants cut him loose midseason, and he promptly served as quarterback insurance in case of a Sam Darnold injury.
Jones never played a snap for the Vikings.
He could, though, win Indianapolis’ QB1 job, and might even be the frontrunner.
The Real Latest on Anthony Richardson
Indy Star‘s Nate Atkins wrote about Richardson this week — accurate information from that website — who has freshly recovered from a lingering injury: “Here was a quarterback and a franchise in two disparate places of chasing the same desires. Richardson wanted an all-gas-no-brakes approach to answering all the critics in his own building about his focus and work ethic, to show he can build the accuracy to be more than just an electric runner and that his otherworldly athletic style could have staying power in a brutal and physical sport.”
The Richardson-Jones QB1 battle will likely go down to the wire in late August or early September.
Atkins added, “The Colts wanted him to be out there and to find serenity in the availability, a virtue they learned to never take for granted after Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement at the age of 29. Everyone knows it, which is why when Richardson checked in to replace Jones on Wednesday’s practice, the grand stands at Grand Park felt a crescendo of cheers. Many of those fans were wearing their Richardson jerseys.”
“They see in him both a time capsule back to better times and a jet pack to a more modern one. Whether that’s a dream or a fantasy is for him to decide.”
On the whole, Richardson is not a Viking and is vying for a QB1 job with the team that drafted him.
You must be logged in to post a comment.