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 Jonesâ veteran presence (the Colts signed him to a one year, $14 million deal), but because it showed a lack of trust in a quarterback they drafted No. 4 overall just two years ago.
And one team being mentioned as a possible destination? The Los Angeles Rams.
Why the Rams Make Sense for Richardson
GettyIndianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson.
On paper, the Rams are still Matthew Staffordâs team. The 37 year old quarterback returned to practice this week after being sidelined with an aggravated disc in his back. Head coach Sean McVay called it a step forward but was cautious in his assessment.
âIt was good to be able to have Matthew out there,â McVay told reporters. âHe did a good job today. I thought he looked good, but I donât really have any updates. Weâre going to keep it a day and really a week at a time.â
Stafford participated in 26 snaps during team drills, even connecting with new receiver Davante Adams. But the concern lingers. Backs donât get better with age, and Stafford has taken more than his share of punishment over 15 NFL seasons.
Thatâs part of why the Rams are being floated as a logical landing spot for Richardson. Stafford is under contract for only two more years, and L.A. has injury concerns at both tackle spots, not ideal for a quarterback managing a back issue. Meanwhile, the Rams offensive foundation remains strong. With Puka Nacua and Adams under contract beyond Staffordâs deal, McVay has weapons in place. And given his track record (a Super Bowl with Jared Goff, a revival of Baker Mayfieldâs career, and a championship with Stafford) the idea of McVay molding a raw, athletic talent like Richardson is intriguing.
The Trade Scenario
GettyIs Anthony Richardson still the future?
The expected trade scenario would be Richardson to the Rams in exchange for a third round pick.
Itâs crazy given that Richardson was the No. 4 overall selection just two drafts ago, but the Colts decision to start Jones over him raises real doubts about their faith in the young quarterback. From Indianapolisâ perspective, a mid round pick is modest compensation, but itâs at least some return before Richardsonâs value drops further.
For the Rams, the move would represent a relatively low risk swing at finding Staffordâs successor. The only alternative for L.A. is waiting until the 2026 draft to select their next quarterback, which brings its own uncertainty.
Itâs 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 NFLâs most intriguing trade scenarios. And if the Rams are serious about solving their future quarterback problem before it even starts, they should call the Colts immediately.Â
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Trade Rumors Link Rams to Colts QB Anthony Richardson appeared first on Heavy Sports.