Anthony Richardson remains a polarizing figure in Indianapolis. The rookie signal-caller, who requested a trade during the offseason, has not withdrawn that request, leaving the Colts with ongoing uncertainty at the position. The franchise faces questions about whether Richardson can develop into a starter, whether he fits the evolving plan for the offense, and how the team should balance development with wins in the short term.
To address questions at quarterback, one NFL analyst proposed a trade scenario that would reconfigure the Colts’ quarterback situation while also giving another high-profile young passer a new destination. The idea centers on pairing a move for a veteran quarterback with a potential exchange involving Anthony Richardson and a rising young passer from another organization. In the suggested package, Richardson could be sent to a different team in exchange for a quarterback with a higher ceiling but fewer proven NFL games, while Indianapolis would receive a quarterback who could step in as a bridge or potential long-term solution.
Supporters of the trade argue that the Colts could benefit from a serviceable backup quarterback who can stabilize the offense if Jones struggles after an Achilles injury or if a late-season drop in performance undermines expectations. Johnson McCarthy, a young quarterback who has shown flashes of potential but has not yet established himself as a dependable starter, is cited as a possible long-term project the Colts could pursue if circumstances align. The premise is that Indianapolis would acquire a quarterback ready to contribute early while still allowing Jones to anchor the team if he returns to form.
Evaluators acknowledge that McCarthy has not fully met the lofty expectations set for a first-round pick, but they also note that he has demonstrated periods of efficiency and decision-making that could be harnessed with the right coaching and system fit. If the coaching staff, led by head coach Shane Steichen, can maximize his strengths, there could be upside for development. At 23 years old, McCarthy would have ample time to grow into a more complete quarterback while serving as a potential future starter.
Shane Steichen and the Colts are also evaluating the backup quarterback competition internally. At the moment, the backup job is a contest between Richardson and Riley Leonard. Steichen has indicated there is no clear favorite and that the decision will be made based on summer performance. Richardson’s familiarity with the offensive scheme gives him a head start, but an orbital fracture injury sustained earlier in the process could tilt more reps toward Leonard during training camp. The Colts will monitor both players closely as they prepare for the preseason slate and the summer practices that determine the depth chart.
The situation leaves room for a broader strategy. If neither Richardson nor Leonard can secure the backup role, Indianapolis could explore making a trade to bring in a veteran QB or a different young signal-caller who could contribute immediately. While the idea of landing JJ McCarthy as part of a broader swap generates buzz, any real move would depend on how the Colts evaluate Richardson’s continued development, Jones’s health and performance, and the availability of other teams willing to engage in such a package.
Looking ahead, the Colts’ plan hinges on managing two critical factors: the health and effectiveness of Daniel Jones and the ongoing development of Anthony Richardson. Jones offers a proven, high-ceiling option when healthy, but injuries and the need for a reliable backup are real considerations. Richardson’s trajectory remains uncertain, and his ability to adapt to an NFL offense will influence whether the team sees him as a long-term starter or a bridge player while a more immediate solution is pursued.
In the 2026 season, this quarterback calculus will shape Indianapolis’s approach to the draft, free agency, and potential trade activity. If the organization feels confident in Jones’s ability to regain form and in Richardson’s growth trajectory, the Colts could lean toward internal development and minimal external disruption. Conversely, if concerns persist about durability, consistency, or readiness, the front office may pursue strategic moves to secure a veteran presence or a younger passer with a higher ceiling who can accelerate the team’s competitive timeline.
Ultimately, the Colts must balance present competitiveness with long-term quarterback development. The evolving dynamic at the position will influence coaching decisions, scheme design, and the overall roster-building strategy as the team prepares to compete in a demanding division and aim for a playoff-caliber performance in the coming seasons.
