Updated May 1, 2026
The Anthony Richardson landing spot discussion has the potential to become the hottest QB question of the offseason after the Indianapolis Colts officially declined his fifth-year option. The decision was first reported by Mike Chappell of Fox 59 (per Yahoo Sports) and would have guaranteed Richardson roughly $22.5 million for the 2027 season. The trade-destination question is what unlocks (or buries) his fantasy value. Below are four realistic landing spots, the dynasty implications on each, and the optimistic view on how Anthony Richardson can see himself back to a starting role.
Indy’s decision came against a market the team itself describes as quiet. Colts GM Chris Ballard told reporters, “We’ve had some calls, but nothing’s come to fruition at this time.” Adam Schefter has reported the trade market for Richardson is “soft.” Stampede Blue noted that the lack of a draft-week move further thinned the suitor pool, since several QB-needy teams used Round 1 capital on long-term answers. None of that helps the Colts’ leverage.
Before the bullish AR15 shares could fully take shape (2023), the bearish prospect profile was already in full motion. Richardson completed only 54.7% of his passes at Florida, an alarmingly low number for the modern NFL. As we wrote in Anthony Richardson: Josh Allen, or Post-MVP Cam Newton?, his rookie season ended after just four games, when he sustained the same Grade 3 AC joint shoulder injury that began the descent of Cam Newton, who was at his MVP-winning peak before that injury took its toll. Richardson then had season-ending shoulder surgery in 2023. That parallel, coupled with accuracy concerns and a benching during the 2024 season, is why the trade market is so soft. Richardson’s prospect profile reads like a list of dynasty-killing risk factors.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers. Per CBS Sports, the Steelers are listed as a top destination because they “need to plan for life after Aaron Rodgers as early as 2026,” and new head coach Mike McCarthy has a history of helping quarterbacks improve their mechanics, such as Rodgers himself. Pittsburgh has a QB-room hierarchy that lets Richardson sit and learn for one year, a coaching staff with QB-development pedigree, and an offense that has historically built around a mobile QB profile. The only short term caveat: Drew Allar. The Steelers selected Allar with the 76th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Not a heavy investment, but still something he’d have to contend with.
2. Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons “are loaded with offensive talent but need a long-term solution at quarterback,” per the same CBS Sports breakdown. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts is the kind of skill-position room that exaggerates a mobile QB’s fantasy ceiling. Although, the Penix overhang means Richardson would have to wait just to have a chance to win the job rather than inheriting or winning it in 2026.
3. Minnesota Vikings. Per CBS Sports in February, “Minnesota would be interested in bringing in another highly-touted prospect, and coach Kevin O’Connell has shown interest in Richardson.” This, of course, was before Kyler Murray joined the Vikings. If Richardson lands in Minnesota, there would be alot of turbulence to work through for Richardson, especially with JJ McCarthy still on the roster. Long term, that would be a QB room full of possibilities for all QB’s.
4. Green Bay Packers. Per NFL.com, Green Bay is an ideal fit because Richardson “would benefit learning from Matt LaFleur and working behind Jordan Love.” This landing spot is one of the highest possible developmental ceilings. Sitting behind Love in a LaFleur scheme is the kind of two-year apprenticeship that could reset Richardson’s career.
The dynasty fantasy football case for keeping or acquiring Anthony Richardson right now is optimistic only. He is one of the few QBs in the league whose ceiling is a top-five fantasy QB1 (rushing volume plus the arm) and whose floor is already priced in (cut and replaceable). Although, for full context on where he sits relative to other veteran QBs, see the 2026 Dynasty Superflex Rankings.
Yes. Mike Chappell of Fox 59 first reported the decision, which Yahoo Sports confirmed on April 30, 2026. The option would have guaranteed Richardson approximately $22.5 million for the 2027 season.
Per CBS Sports and NFL.com, the most-cited names are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Green Bay Packers. The Steelers are widely seen as the cleanest fit because of new HC Mike McCarthy’s QB-development resume and Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain timeline.
Adam Schefter has reported the market as “soft,” and Colts GM Chris Ballard publicly described the calls as not yet coming “to fruition.” Several QB-needy teams used Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft on long-term answers (Mendoza to Las Vegas, Simpson to Los Angeles), thinning the buyer pool further.
Per our earlier piece “Anthony Richardson: Josh Allen, or Post-MVP Cam Newton?,” Richardson sustained the same Grade 3 AC joint shoulder injury (per NBC News) that began the descent of Cam Newton, who was at his MVP peak before the injury took its toll. The parallel is real and is one reason the league has been cautious on a long-term commitment.
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