There are multiple options this offseason for the Minnesota Vikings at the quarterback position. While some of those options could come as free agents or in the 2026 NFL Draft, the team might look to trade for a signal-caller they really like.
One notable name among the long list of quarterbacks the Vikings could choose to pursue is Anthony Richardson. His career hasn't panned out well since joining the Indianapolis Colts as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Despite showing amazing athleticism and enough potential to warrant a top pick, Richardson has struggled to stay healthy enough to be on the field. And when he is on the field, his inconsistency can be scary at times.
However, working with Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson might be exactly what the young quarterback needs to get back on track and take his game to the next level.
It could cost a lot less than expected for the Minnesota Vikings to trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
If the Minnesota Vikings choose to trade for Anthony Richardson, they would likely have to give up at least a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, much of the rumbling around the league is that he isn't a starting-caliber quarterback, and his value is nowhere near what the Colts used to acquire him.
In fact, according to Jason La Canfora, an anonymous NFL general manager feels like a late-round pick would be more appropriate as compensation if a team like the Vikings showed interest.
“I wouldn’t go down that road now. Too much injury risk. Look, if you really did your work on him at Florida, they were running five plays. It wasn’t a real offense, and the Colts haven’t done much to bring him along. Would I give them a six, maybe a five, if I had a situation where I want to create some packages and get him on the field in certain situations? I could see that. But he would be a pass for me now as a starting option.”
In fact, it will be very interesting to see what happens if the Colts don't get much interest in Richardson and need to figure out what to do with him this offseason. Indianapolis used its transition tag on Daniel Jones, meaning they want him back behind center when he is healthy, forcing Richardson into an expendable role. And if the team no longer believes in his potential, they could see fit to release him.
It would always be best not to give up draft capital if a team doesn't have to. And with limited picks, limited salary cap space, and a lot of needs, the Minnesota Vikings might want to think twice before making the Indianapolis Colts an offer for Anthony Richardson.