Green Bay Packers fans are ready to cash in on the juicy compensatory pick they stand to receive from Malik Willis' inevitable free agency departure. However, losing him also creates a massive void at the backup quarterback spot.
Enter the Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Richardson, who's reportedly been permitted to seek a trade amid his uncertain future with the team (h/t ESPN's Stephen Holder). He's yet to live up to being the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, to put it mildly. However, a change of scenery, specifically to Green Bay, could do wonders for his career.
The Packers are a factory for developing passers, with a rich history of success doing so. Head coach Matt LaFleur's QB-friendly system has only validated and elevated their reputation, and Willis is the latest example. With that in mind, Green Bay should look powerfully into taking a flier on Richardson.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson profiles as viable Malik Willis replacement for Packers
Richardson's rare blend of arm strength, size and mobility gives him a sky-high ceiling that has yet to materialize through three campaigns in the pros. Health (or lack thereof) and the Colts' wobbly commitment since his arrival have factored into his shortcomings, though he's not exempt from scrutiny. Nevertheless, the potential is indisputable and borderline irresistible, especially as a dart throw, and can be unlocked in Titletown.
Recent swaps involving No. 2 signal-callers/reclamation projects suggest it won't take more than a mid-to-late-round selection to acquire Richardson from the Colts. He certainly has the tools to exceed that value in spades, and the Packers have shown they can maximize his skill set à la Willis. Put two and two together, and it's easy to envision the former joining the latter and the legend of Matt Flynn on the list of surprising success stories.
Moreover, adding Richardson comes with almost no downside for the Packers, assuming his $23.5 million fifth-year option isn't exercised. In the best-case scenario, they turn him into a viable understudy who can keep the ship afloat when called upon (like Willis). Yet, ideally, he doesn't see the field outside of the offseason/preseason or mop-up duty in blowout wins because franchise gunslinger Jordan Love is healthy and thriving.
If Richardson doesn't pan out and the Packers aren't on the hook for 2027, moving on from him after one season would be seamless. This is the type of low-risk, high-reward swing the Packers have been willing to take, and it's worked out in their favor. Why not bet on lightning striking twice?