Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced Tuesday that Daniel Jones will start the season under center, beating out 2023 first round pick Anthony Richardson for the job. The choice was surprising, not because of Jones’ veteran presence (the Colts signed him to a one year, $14 million deal after his release from the Giants), but because it showed a lack of trust in a quarterback they drafted No. 4 overall just two years ago.
For the Steelers, who continue to search for stability at quarterback, that decision may have created an opportunity. With Richardson’s role in Indianapolis suddenly uncertain, Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News named the Steelers as the top destination for Richardson, fueling speculation that the former first rounder could be had for as little as a third round pick.
Why Richardson Is on the Radar
GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Richardson entered the league with sky high expectations thanks to his rare arm strength and elite athleticism. But his first two seasons have been uneven, producing an 8-7 record as a starter with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, finds itself in familiar territory: competitive but unsettled at the game’s most important position. Aaron Rodgers is expected to retire in 2026, sixth round rookie Will Howard is still a project, and Mason Rudolph has never proven to be more than a reliable backup.
Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in Pittsburgh, but maintaining that streak will require a stronger quarterback solution than the current depth chart provides. That’s where Richardson comes in.
At just 23 years old, he remains a developmental swing worth considering. Especially if the Colts are open to moving him for something as reasonable as a third round pick.
What It Means for Indianapolis
GettyIs Anthony Richardson still the future?
For Indianapolis, the move to start Jones over Richardson says a lot about where the coaching staff stands. While the organization insists it hasn’t given up on the young quarterback, actions speak louder than words.
Richardson himself handled the decision with professionalism, telling reporters: “You gotta respect the decision. They feel like he’s a better fit for the team, a better fit for the outcome of us winning. You just gotta respect it and keep working. It doesn’t undermine any of the other work I’ve been putting in, it doesn’t say that I haven’t improved. I’m proud of the improvement I’ve made.”
But the reality is that Jones’ presence delays Richardson’s development and creates new questions about his future in Indianapolis. The front office must soon decide whether to pick up his fifth year option for 2027.
This is where Pittsburgh’s interest becomes relevant. The Steelers may not be the only team monitoring Richardson’s situation, but they’re one of the few that make immediate sense. A third round pick is a price most general managers would consider for a quarterback with Richardson’s physical ceiling.
It’s far from certain that Indianapolis is ready to move on. But the Colts choice to start Jones over Richardson did more than set their depth chart, it cracked open the door to one of the NFL’s most intriguing trade scenarios. And if the Steelers are serious about solving their quarterback problem, they should call the Colts immediately.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Steelers Linked to Colts QB Anthony Richardson in Trade Speculation appeared first on Heavy Sports.