{"id":5504,"date":"2026-03-16T11:28:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T11:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/?p=5504"},"modified":"2026-03-16T11:28:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T11:28:17","slug":"would-the-steelers-and-colts-pursue-this-anthony-richardson-trade-pitch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/would-the-steelers-and-colts-pursue-this-anthony-richardson-trade-pitch\/","title":{"rendered":"Would the Steelers and Colts Pursue This Anthony Richardson Trade Pitch?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 offseason in familiar limbo at quarterback, waiting on <strong>Aaron Rodgers<\/strong>&#8216; decision about returning for what would be his age-43 season. Rodgers, who joined Pittsburgh in 2025 after a brief stint elsewhere, has been non-committal amid swirling retirement rumors\u2014no firm deadline exists, and talks remain stalled. GM Omar Khan has expressed openness to Rodgers&#8217; return, but the team can&#8217;t afford to stand pat indefinitely with backups <strong>Mason Rudolph<\/strong> and <strong>Will Howard<\/strong> as the only current options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-base-3-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><strong>NFL Wisdom Imbibe Insight:<br><\/strong>The proposed Anthony Richardson trade reflects a growing NFL trend: buying low on high-upside quarterbacks. For Pittsburgh, the gamble could secure a long-term successor if Aaron Rodgers retires. For Indianapolis, moving on would reset the roster and recover draft capital. In today\u2019s quarterback-driven league, even risky talent rarely stays on the market long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This uncertainty has fueled speculation about contingency plans, including a potential trade for <strong>Anthony Richardson<\/strong> from the Indianapolis Colts. A recent fan\/proposal pitch (circulating on sites like Dose.ca and echoed in Steelers media) suggests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Steelers receive<\/strong>: QB Anthony Richardson<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Colts receive<\/strong>: 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 121 overall)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The low cost\u2014a mid-round selection\u2014makes it an intriguing low-risk flier for Pittsburgh, especially given Richardson&#8217;s original draft capital (No. 4 overall in 2023).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Richardson&#8217;s Rocky Colts Tenure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Selected fourth overall by Indianapolis, Richardson flashed elite athleticism but struggled with consistency and injuries. Over his first three seasons (2023\u20132025), he started just <strong>15 games<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Stats: 177\/350 passing (50.6% completion), ~2,400 yards, 11 TDs, 13 INTs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rushing impact: 634 yards and 10 TDs on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat upside.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Accuracy issues and turnovers plagued him, and he lost the starting job to <strong>Daniel Jones<\/strong> in 2025. Jones earned a two-year, $88 million extension, closing the door on Richardson&#8217;s path in Indy. The Colts granted him permission to seek a trade in late February 2026 (per reports from The Athletic, ESPN, and NFL.com), with multiple suitors interested but no deal imminent. His 2026 cap hit (~$10.8 million) adds motivation for Indy to move him, though leverage remains low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why This Trade Could Appeal to the Steelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bridge\/Development Scenario<\/strong>: If Rodgers returns for one more year, Richardson could sit, learn, and develop under a veteran coach\/system\u2014potentially thriving in Pittsburgh&#8217;s run-heavy scheme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Upside at Low Cost<\/strong>: At just 23 (turns 24 in May 2026), Richardson&#8217;s arm strength and mobility offer long-term potential. A fourth-rounder is a bargain compared to his draft pedigree.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>QB Depth Need<\/strong>: Beyond Rodgers uncertainty, the Steelers lack a clear franchise successor. This move addresses that without mortgaging high picks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Analysts and insiders (e.g., Kay Adams on podcasts) have floated Pittsburgh as a logical landing spot, emphasizing Richardson&#8217;s fit if he gets proper coaching. Steelers media outlets like Steelers Depot and Still Curtain have discussed similar scenarios as &#8220;win-win&#8221; or &#8220;polarizing but intriguing.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the Colts Might Accept (or Push for More)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Indy has limited leverage\u2014teams know both sides want a split. A fourth-rounder feels aggressive from Pittsburgh&#8217;s perspective (some evaluators peg Richardson&#8217;s value at a Day 3 pick, like a fifth-rounder). The Colts would likely jump at it to recoup assets and clear cap space. However, if other suitors (e.g., Vikings, Packers) emerge with better offers, Indy could hold out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Realistic Outlook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No deal appears close as of mid-March 2026\u2014negotiations continue with &#8220;interested&#8221; teams, but nothing imminent. The Steelers have been active elsewhere in free agency (e.g., adding WRs and depth), but QB remains the priority. If Rodgers retires or delays, Pittsburgh could pivot aggressively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This pitch is a smart, low-stakes idea on paper: cheap upside for a team in transition, salary relief and draft capital for Indy. Whether it materializes depends on Rodgers&#8217; final call and competing bids\u2014but in a QB-needy league, don&#8217;t count it out. For now, it&#8217;s a compelling hypothetical that aligns with Pittsburgh&#8217;s need for a post-Rodgers plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-color has-text-color\"><strong>Recommended for you:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/why-are-the-new-york-giants-moving-aggressively-in-free-agency-under-new-head-coach-john-harbaugh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Why Are the New York Giants Moving Aggressively in Free Agency Under New Head Coach John Harbaugh?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 offseason in familiar limbo at quarterback, waiting on Aaron Rodgers&#8216; decision about returning for what would be his age-43 season. Rodgers, who joined Pittsburgh in 2025 after a brief stint elsewhere, has been non-committal amid swirling retirement rumors\u2014no firm deadline exists, and talks remain stalled. GM Omar Khan has &#8230; <a title=\"Would the Steelers and Colts Pursue This Anthony Richardson Trade Pitch?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/would-the-steelers-and-colts-pursue-this-anthony-richardson-trade-pitch\/\" aria-label=\"More on Would the Steelers and Colts Pursue This Anthony Richardson Trade Pitch?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5505,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[188,697,338],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Would-the-Steelers-and-Colts-Pursue-This-Anthony-Richardson-Trade-Pitch_11zon.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5410,"url":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/a-major-twist-in-the-pittsburgh-steelers-quarterback-future-staying-the-course-with-aaron-rodgers\/","url_meta":{"origin":5504,"position":0},"title":"A Major Twist in the Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 Quarterback Future: Staying the Course with Aaron\u202fRodgers?","author":"Navneet Singh","date":"October 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The narrative surrounding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his relationship with the Pittsburgh Steelers has taken a surprising turn. Originally seen as a one\u2010season experiment, recent reports suggest the franchise is now open to the idea of Rodgers returning in 2026. The shift speaks volumes about performance, opportunity, and the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;NFL&quot;","block_context":{"text":"NFL","link":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/nfl\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Aaron\u202fRodgers.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2792,"url":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/pittsburgh-steelers-2023-running-back-trade-rumors-and-analysis\/","url_meta":{"origin":5504,"position":1},"title":"Pittsburgh Steelers&#8217; 2023 Running Back Trade Rumors and Analysis","author":"Babita Singh","date":"September 29, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"A Promising Running Back Depth for the Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers, in the year 2023, find themselves in an enviable position with their running back depth, a luxury they haven't had in quite some time. However, despite their abundance of talent, the Steelers have not been immune to trade rumors\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News &amp; Updates&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News &amp; Updates","link":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/news-and-updates\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Pittsburgh-Steelers-2023-Running-Back-Trade-Rumors-and-Analysis.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4911,"url":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/evaluating-nfl-centers-pff-grades-for-all-32-teams\/","url_meta":{"origin":5504,"position":2},"title":"Evaluating NFL Centers: PFF Grades for All 32 Teams","author":"Nitin Singh","date":"July 22, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"The offseason has seen Pro Football Focus (PFF) meticulously grade every position, and now it's time to spotlight the centers. This review highlights the centers across all 32 NFL teams, offering insights into how each player performed last season. The Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 Center Situation The Pittsburgh Steelers struggled with their\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News &amp; Updates&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News &amp; Updates","link":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/news-and-updates\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/nfl-32-teams.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5137,"url":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/brandon-aiyuks-crossroads-will-he-stay-with-the-49ers-or-join-the-steelers\/","url_meta":{"origin":5504,"position":3},"title":"Brandon Aiyuk&#8217;s Crossroads: Will He Stay with the 49ers or Join the Steelers?","author":"Navneet Singh","date":"August 13, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"In a pivotal moment for Brandon Aiyuk\u2019s career, the talented wide receiver finds himself at a crucial juncture. The San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly agreed on the framework of a trade that would send Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. However, the 49ers\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News &amp; Updates&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News &amp; Updates","link":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/news-and-updates\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Brandon Aiyuk","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Brandon-Aiyuk-_1_.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4885,"url":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/brandon-aiyuks-trade-request-whats-next-for-the-49ers\/","url_meta":{"origin":5504,"position":4},"title":"Brandon Aiyuk&#8217;s Trade Request: What&#8217;s Next for the 49ers?","author":"Nitin Singh","date":"July 20, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"The Brandon Aiyuk situation with the San Francisco 49ers has taken a dramatic turn. NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported that the star wide receiver has requested a trade due to stalled contract extension negotiations. Here's a breakdown of the current status and potential implications: Key Points: Trade Request: Aiyuk,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;NFL Trade&quot;","block_context":{"text":"NFL Trade","link":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/nfl-trade\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Brandon-Aiyuk.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5002,"url":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/aaron-rodgers-and-the-new-york-jets-super-bowl-or-bust\/","url_meta":{"origin":5504,"position":5},"title":"Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets: Super Bowl or Bust","author":"Nitin Singh","date":"July 31, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets are all-in for the 2024 NFL season with a Super Bowl or bust mindset. Discover their challenges, star-studded roster, and the dynamic between Rodgers and Garrett Wilson as they strive for ultimate glory. High Stakes for the Jets Aaron Rodgers, at 40 years\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News &amp; Updates&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News &amp; Updates","link":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/news-and-updates\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Aaron-Rogers-super-bowl-or-bust.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5504"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5504"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5506,"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5504\/revisions\/5506"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5505"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wisdomimbibe.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}