Back in 2024, the Green Bay Packers needed a backup behind Jordan Love, so they traded for Malik Willis just before the start of the regular season. At the time of the deal, Willis was coming off two underwhelming seasons with the Tennessee Titans, and the Packers only had to give a measly seventh-round pick in return for him. Looking back, it turned out to be a bargain.
The downside of his success is that he ended up leaving Green Bay, signing a three-year deal worth $67.5 million with the Miami Dolphins in free agency.
However you look at it, the Packers were never going to be able to retain Willis. The good news is they can trade for another quarterback who's currently in more or less the same situation Willis was in 2024. This time, though, it's an Indianapolis Colts reclamation project: Anthony Richardson.
The Packers named a 'team to monitor' about potential Anthony Richardson trade
Stephen Holder of ESPN reports that teams have gotten in touch with the Colts to inquire about Anthony Richardson, but no deal is imminent, noting that things are still taking shape after free agency. Later, Holder suggests that the Packers are a "team to monitor."
Indy originally allowed Richardson to seek a trade late in February when they made it clear that they were rolling with Daniel Jones at quarterback.
When the Colts drafted Richardson fourth overall in 2023, they thought they were getting a franchise quarterback. They knew that he was raw coming out of Florida, but with enough patience, he could turn out to be the long-term answer behind center.
The issue is that the Colts threw Richardson into the wolves and never really gave him the time he needed. It didn't help that he's failed to stay healthy, but instead of granting him more time, Indianapolis signed Jones to compete with him last offseason.
Fast forward to 2026, and Richardson doesn't appear to be part of the Colts' plans after re-signing Danny Dimes to a two-year deal worth up to $100 million.
Why it would make sense for the Packers to trade for Anthony Richardson
The Packers could easily use a late-round pick on a developmental prospect in the draft, but they could be better off getting a first-round talent at the same rate.
It's worth noting that if general manager Brian Gutekunst traded for Richardson by May 1, he would need to decide whether to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, which would pay him $22 million in 2027. On the other hand, he's set to make $10 million next season, so he could fit the team's budget.
That could give Green Bay a tough decision. But if Richardson manages to put it all together, it could ultimately lead the Packers to landing a high compensatory draft pick, like they could with Willis.
Simply put, the prospect of trading a seventh-round pick (or even a fifth or a sixth) in exchange for a player such as Richardson makes too much sense not to give it a thought.