The Kansas City Chiefs’ backup quarterback situation has been a glaring weakness in recent seasons, and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick believes the team should pursue a high-upside trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson during the 2026 offseason.
Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
NFL Trade Buzz: ESPN’s Louis Riddick Suggests Chiefs Target QB Anthony Richardson in Bold Proposal
Appearing on Get Up recently, Riddick laid out his case for why Richardson could be a perfect fit behind Patrick Mahomes:
“No one is going to question Andy Reid. No one is going to question the wisdom of going ahead and sitting behind Patrick Mahomes.
No one is going to question that at this point, considering they just brought back Eric Bieniemy for the single most important reason, which is: they really needed to instill some accountability on that side of the football. I think that’s exactly what Richardson needs.”
Riddick highlighted the Chiefs’ offensive struggles without Mahomes last season (a winless stretch when he was sidelined) and argued that Richardson could develop under Reid’s guidance while providing a dynamic insurance policy.
Anthony Richardson’s Rocky Start in Indianapolis
The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has battled injuries and inconsistency:
Missed significant time in 2023 (shoulder surgery) and 2024 (multiple injuries, including a fractured orbital bone).
Started only 15 games across three seasons, throwing 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.
Lost the 2025 starting job to veteran Daniel Jones, who helped stabilize the Colts’ offense.
Despite the setbacks, Richardson’s elite arm strength, mobility, and rushing ability keep him on the radar of teams like the Chiefs looking for long-term QB depth.
Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs the ball against Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah Simmons (28) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs the ball against Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah Simmons (28) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Why This Trade Idea Is Intriguing for the Chiefs
Backup QB Need — Kansas City has struggled when Mahomes is out, and Richardson offers high-upside insurance.
Development Environment — Sitting behind Mahomes and learning from Reid/Bieniemy could accelerate Richardson’s growth.
Risk vs. Reward — A trade would be moderate-risk (given Richardson’s injury history and inconsistency), but the potential reward is a franchise QB2 ready to step in if needed.
The Colts have not indicated they are actively shopping Richardson, but his trade permission (reported earlier) keeps the door open. Any deal would require significant compensation, likely involving draft picks and/or players.
Chiefs fans: Would you trade for Anthony Richardson as Mahomes’ backup? Or is the risk too high? Share your thoughts below—this could be one of the biggest QB storylines of the 2026 offseason!
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