Report: Vikings Eyeing QB Trade
The Indianapolis Colts permitted quarterbackย Anthony Richardson to seek a trade on Thursday, and there’s mutual interest between Richardson’s camp and the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network‘s Cameron Wolfe.
Minnesota can check the price, but Richardson brings the same volatility and durability questions the Vikings already know well.
That doesn’t mean a deal is completely imminent, but Richardson cannot be ruled out of the Vikings’ offseason quarterback sweepstakes.
Colts Open the Door for an Anthony Richardson Deal
The Kevin O’Connell embrace in 2024 has a chance to mean something.
IND to Trade Richardson
Richardson likely won’t remain on the Colts’ roster much longer.
ESPN’s Stephen Holder wrote Thursday, “The Colts have given quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. permission to seek a trade, his agent told ESPN on Thursday, the latest twist in the young player’s complicated career. Richardson lost a preseason position battle with veteran Daniel Jones before last season, relegating him to the No. 2 spot.”
“Now, with the Colts committed to trying to re-sign Jones as their starter for the foreseeable future, Richardson faces an uncertain path forward in Indianapolis. Agent Deiric Jackson having the ability to explore a trade gives Richardson the potential of finding a new start after three tumultuous seasons in Indianapolis.”
Richardson will have a chance to reclaim his once-promising career elsewhere.
Vikings Reportedly Interested
On the same day, NFL Network‘s Cameron Wolfe sweetened the pot from the Vikings’ standpoint, tweeting, “Colts and Anthony Richardson have mutually agreed to seek a trade, sources tell me. One team to keep an eye on trading for Anthony Richardson: Minnesota Vikings. There is mutual interest. Combine is ideal time for these convos to happen.”
Until Wolfe’s tweet, the Vikings’ interest in a Richardson trade had been totally theoretical. Now, it’s quasi-realistic and practical.
CBS Sports‘ Garrett Podell on the Richardson to MIN idea: “Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell helped revive the careers of two other former top 10 pick quarterbacks in Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones in 2024 only to see both of them walk in free agency. Darnold went on to win Super Bowl LX in his first season with the Seattle Seahawks, and Jones was in the NFL MVP conversation in the first half of the 2025 season before injuries derailed him.”
“O’Connell let both of those guys out of his building because he had the 2024 10th overall pick in quarterback J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings. However, his first year as an NFL starting quarterback can be described as highly concerning.”
It’s also worth noting that it might be a little strange for Minnesota to have two former 1st-Round developmental projects in the same room. That’s rare.
Podell added, “McCarthy ranked dead last in the NFL in completion percentage (58%), touchdown-interception (11-12) and passer rating (72.6) in 2025 despite working with O’Connell and being able to throw passes to 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year wide receiver Justin Jefferson.”
“Perhaps Minnesota would be interested in bringing in another formerly highly-touted prospect to push and/or overtake McCarthy. When mic’d up in a game in which the Vikings played the Colts, O’Connell gave Richardson an extended pep talk. The interest in Richardson could very well still exist for the Vikings now.”
O’Connell & Richardson in 2024
The Vikings beat the Colts in 2024, defeating an Indianapolis squad that had benched Richardson in favor of Joe Flacco. After the game, O’Connell, whose reputation was at the peak of its power as a quarterback whisperer, singled Richardson out for encouragement.
“You’re a bad dude, and you’re going to play a long time in this league. I still believe in you,” O’Connell said to Richardson, whose confidence was probably ravaged at the time.
At the time, fans joked, “Future Viking Anthony Richardson.” Now, those jokes have shapeshifted into reality. Richardson to Minnesota could turn out to be true.
McCarthy + Richardson = Spider-Man Meme?
In 2025, the Colts faced a quarterback conundrum, distinct from Richardson’s situation. Daniel Jones won the starting job in training camp and started the season strong before an Achilles tendon tear. With Richardson also injured, the Colts, signaling a decline in his perceived value, signed Philip Rivers, who had been retired for five years.
Jones had joined Indianapolis in the offseason as a free agent, drawn by the perceived opportunity to start, whereas in Minnesota, McCarthy was expected to be the franchise quarterback.
Once again in the 2026 offseason, Indianapolis is expected to roll with Jones, leaving Richardson as the odd man out.
Meanwhile, trading for Richardson would expose the Vikings to familiar risks. His performance, marked by flashes of brilliance and periods of inconsistency, is further complicated by recurring injuries that have stunted his growth.
These concerns echo the existing uncertainties surrounding McCarthy in Minnesota. Acquiring Richardson would simply add another unpredictable quarterback to the mix, making long-term success dependent on both players staying healthy and developing consistently. Some argue that McCarthy and Richardson are basically the same guy.
If Wolfe has it right and Richardson turns purple, the Vikings can probably pry him loose for a 5th- or 6th-Round pick.
NFL trades can be agreed upon now. They become official in mid-March.
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