The Green Bay Packers are still searching for a capable backup quarterback following Malik Willis' departure in free agency. On the current roster, Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord are the only candidates to replace him. Not overly inspiring.
One name swirling in Packers rumors is Indianapolis Colts bust Anthony Richardson, who is reportedly available via trade. Similar to Willis, his youth and athleticism would make him the immediate favorite to win the QB2 job in Green Bay.
If the Packers are seeking a player in that mold, trading for Richardson just became more urgent. That's because a possible Plan B, New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields, is off the market.
According to ESPN, the Kansas City Chiefs acquired the former 11th overall draft pick Monday morning in exchange for a 2027 sixth-rounder. With the Jets footing most of Fields' salary bill, the Chiefs will pay only $3 million for his services.
For the Packers, missing out on Richardson could leave them out of palatable options altogether.
Anthony Richardson might be the Packers' best option (and now there's no 'next-best' pivot)
It's not like fans were lining up to acquire Fields, who couldn't cut it in Chicago and is headed to his fourth team in as many seasons. Not everyone is in favor of trading for Richardson, either, but he offers more promise as the younger player and a former No. 4 selection in the draft.
It's impossible to overlook his similarities to the version of Willis the Packers acquired two years ago. Outcast in Tennessee, Willis came to Green Bay and re-wrote his fortunes. No one, not even GM Brian Gutekunst, foresaw the three-year, $67.5 million contract he signed with Miami this offseason.
Given his draft stock, Richardson owns a higher profile and, in theory, greater potential. Injuries have plagued his early career, but the Colts clearly moved on from him last season. In his career, he has thrown 11 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions.
Still, his dual-threat nature could appeal to the Packers as a substitute for Willis. From 2023 to 2024, Richardson amassed over 600 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns at 5.7 yards per carry. Could Green Bay's coaching staff groom him into a successful player? Absolutely.
Almost surely, of course, Richardson would cost more than the 2025 seventh-rounder the Packers gave up for Willis. This is a one-time top four pick we're talking about. Are the Colts seeking more than the sixth-round selection the Jets received for Fields? For the draft-minded Packers, that's a crucial consideration.
Whiffing on Anthony Richardson would leave a smorgasbord of slim pickings
The problem for Gutekunst and Green Bay is that, aside from Richardson, appetizing backup quarterbacks are scarce or nonexistent. Kyle Murray signed with Minnesota. Fields is off the table. The free-agent pool is dominated by old, immobile pocket passers. No thanks.
More than likely, passing up on Richardson would set up a training camp competition between Ridder and McCord. That's not the worst thing in the world, but it's worth remembering that Jordan Love has been banged up and missed games each of the past two seasons.
Securing a capable backup to tide the offense over if needed is a worthwhile concern. The Packers plan to contend for a Super Bowl. The NFC North projects to be competitive across the board. Playoff seeding matters. Holding down the fort if Love gets dinged, like Willis was able to, could make a critical difference in the standings.
Plus, Richardson offers a lot more upside than, say, a 36-year-old Tyrod Taylor or a 37-year-old Kirk Cousins. If the Packers are serious in their pursuit, they might want to snap him up soon.