Rams Trade Scenario Lands ‘Wildly Athletic’ Polarizing QB

The Los Angeles Rams are in a fascinating position heading into the 2025 NFL season. With veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford nearing the end of his career, the Rams need to begin thinking about the long-term future at the quarterback position. Ideally, Stafford wants to continue playing for the next few seasons, so the Rams can take advantage and bring in a high-upside quarterback to learn under him. One bold but potentially rewarding move would be for the Rams to trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Despite being a top-five draft pick in 2023, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis is far from secure. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport argued that the Colts should consider moving on from the “wildly athletic” former Florida standout, citing his inaccuracy, poor decision-making, and recurring injuries as major concerns. But for a team like the Rams, who have a stable coaching environment, a veteran quarterback to ease the transition, and an eye toward the future, Richardson could be the perfect high-upside reclamation project.

Anthony Richardson: A High-Risk, High-Reward Opportunity for the Rams

GettyAnthony Richardson could be a high-risk, high-upside option at quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams.

Richardson has undeniable physical talent. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 244 pounds, he’s built “like a fullback and has arm strength to spare,” as Davenport mentioned.

Before the issues started to pop up, Richardson put the league on notice during his rookie season. In four games before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, he threw for 577 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception on just 84 pass attempts.

However, his time in Indianapolis has been marred by injuries and bad habits ever since. That said, these concerns don’t mean he’s a lost cause, especially not in the right system. Richardson’s career arc so far resembles that of a raw prospect who was thrown into the fire too early. If he could have a fresh start and ease some pressure off of him, it could be a revitalizing option.

Enter the Rams. Sean McVay is known as one of the NFL’s premier offensive minds and has a track record of elevating quarterback play. In McVay’s system, one that emphasizes quick reads, play-action, and schemed throws, Richardson won’t be asked to carry the offense on his shoulders immediately. He could sit behind Stafford and refine his mechanics.

ANTHONY RICHARDSON 60-YARD DIME TO ALEC PIERCE.

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Why This Move Makes Sense for Both Teams

Colts’ new CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon has some big shoes to fill after the passing of her father, Jim Irsay. Along with her two sisters, they have a huge responsibility to decide what direction the Colts take at quarterback. However, ownership still has faith in Richardson.

“We drafted Anthony for a reason, and we believe in him,” Irsay-Gordon told reporters. “He’s incredibly talented, and sometimes when you draft players, they have rough starts, they have injuries, they’ve got those things that they need to go through. But I think it’s way too early to tell…I think he’s — he has all the potential in the world, and if he wants to prove it, he can. And he will, if he wants to.”

Despite this vote of confidence, it’s clear that frustration is building internally. It appears as of now the Colts haven’t received any significant offers for the former fourth overall pick, but the Rams aren’t afraid of trading draft capital. If, and it’s a big if, the Colts are willing to let go of Richardson for a Day 2 pick, it could be a win-win for both franchises.

The Colts could reinvest in another quarterback prospect in a future draft, and the Rams could land a potential successor to Stafford and still have a few first-round picks if they want to go a different route at quarterback.

Richardson may be one of the most polarizing young quarterbacks in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean his career is doomed. A fresh start could be what he needs to fully unlock his potential.