The Indianapolis Colts have decided to bench former first-round pick Anthony Richardson after only 10 NFL starts, leaving the door open for a potential trade after the season. Though Richardson entered the NFL as a physically gifted but raw talent from Florida, he was seen by many as needing a few years to develop into an elite quarterback, similar to Josh Allen. However, head coach Shane Steichen has concluded that Richardson’s development resembles Trey Lance’s more than Allen’s.
Now, with a 4-4 record, the Colts are turning to veteran Joe Flacco, prioritizing immediate roster needs over Richardson’s potential. It appears unlikely Richardson will reclaim the starting role, and there’s speculation Indianapolis might explore a trade with the Carolina Panthers, possibly exchanging Richardson for Bryce Young in the offseason.
Colts, Panthers Could Trade Anthony Richardson For Bryce Young
Joe Flacco may be the Colts’ quarterback for now, but as a seasoned Super Bowl winner nearing 40, he’s unlikely to be the franchise’s long-term solution. Though he’s a capable bridge option, Flacco doesn’t offer Indianapolis a sustainable future. Ironically, his presence might hinder the Colts’ chances of securing their next franchise quarterback. With a 4-4 record, the Colts are still in the playoff race and could potentially secure a Wild Card spot with Flacco leading. This bodes well for the current season, but it also likely means they won’t have a high draft pick to select a top quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Anthony Richardson, who can’t contribute on the field now, might still benefit the Colts as a trade asset. Although his value will have dropped after only 10 games, some teams may still be intrigued by his potential. While he wasn’t expected to be an instant All-Pro, his limited experience could mean certain coaching staffs believe he has room to grow. Though a high draft pick in return is unlikely, the Carolina Panthers might be open to a swap involving Bryce Young.
Panthers Trying Again
After two seasons, it seems the Bryce Young era is coming to an unofficial end. Although he’ll start in place of the injured Andy Dalton, it’s likely the Panthers don’t see him as part of their long-term plans. New head coach Dave Canales benched him after just two games, and Young hasn’t done much to prove the former Buccaneers offensive coordinator wrong. Maybe he doesn’t have what it takes to thrive in the NFL, or maybe the Panthers just aren’t the right fit.
With no clear solution at quarterback, the Colts now face a choice: invest in an expensive short-term veteran or take a low-risk, high-reward gamble on Bryce Young. A trade involving Anthony Richardson for Young, along with re-signing Joe Flacco for added stability, could let the team see who emerges in 2025. Flacco could offer some security while Young works to rediscover the skills that made him the top draft pick.
The main question here is the 2025 NFL Draft class itself. While the Colts likely won’t have a top-10 pick, Carolina seems poised to contend for the first overall selection. Despite the abundance of struggling teams, the Panthers are on track for one of the league’s worst records. If they’re impressed by prospects like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe or Miami’s Cam Ward, they may pass on a deal for Richardson. But if they doubt the 2025 class has a franchise quarterback, they might consider exploring options with the former fourth-overall pick.
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