J.J. McCarthy Anthony Richardson
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Heavy Sports proposed an NFL trade that saw the Minnesota Vikings acquire Anthony Richardson as competition for J.J. McCarthy.
Quarterback Kyler Murray landing with the Minnesota Vikings gained a lot of steam over the first week of March. On The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, Michael Lombardi called the Vikings a heavy favorite to sign Murray.
But it’s not a done deal yet, and there are several other quarterbacks the Vikings could pursue before deciding which one they will add this offseason.
Should they elect to acquire a signal-caller through a trade, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson could be on the table.
Heavy Sports proposes the Vikings offer their No. 97 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft to the Colts in exchange for Richardson.
The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has gone 8-7 as a starter in three NFL seasons. A majority of his starts were in 2024 when he led the league with 14.4 yards per completion.
In 17 NFL games overall, Richardson has completed 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards. He also has 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
On the ground, Richardson has rushed for 634 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and 10 touchdowns.
Why the Vikings Could Consider Anthony Richardson Trade
Speculation has run rampant with who the Vikings could add behind center for J.J. McCarthy’s third year. Because Kevin O’Connell and Minnesota is such a desirable destination for quarterbacks, pundits have linked just about every available signal-caller to the Vikings, including the top free agent options.
After his release, that became Murray, according to most analysts.
Signing Murray, though, would likely spell the end of McCarthy’s time as a potential franchise quarterback in Minnesota. Yes, McCarthy will remain under contract for two more years, but Murray is going to be the frontline start in 2026 wherever he signs.
Moving on from McCarthy in 2026 might be premature. He has made just 10 NFL starts and they came during a year he experienced multiple injuries. McCarthy was also just a year removed from major knee surgery in 2025.
If the Vikings want competition for McCarthy but still allow the 23-year-old the opportunity to start this fall, adding someone such as Richardson makes sense.
Richardson is also relatively inexperienced, but he only turns 24 in May. He’s just a year older than McCarthy.
There remains tremendous untapped potential in Richardson’s game. The Vikings could pursue exploring whether O’Connell can get more out of him in his offense.
With Richardson and McCarthy, the Vikings could have an old-school quarterback battle with the superior performer in the preseason set to start in Week 1 of 2026.
Richardson’s Trade Value for the Vikings
The biggest negative with Richardson for Minnesota is he’s not available for free. The Vikings will have to offer a draft pick to the Colts to acquire him.
Heavy Sports’ Max Dible argued the No. 97 overall selection is too high for Richardson. However, the Vikings don’t possess a fourth-round pick. So after No. 97, they don’t have another selection until No. 162 overall.
Therefore, No. 97 overall is the most logical offer the Vikings could make for Richardson. The Colts should quickly accept such an offer since they appear poised to move on from the quarterback regarded as a bust.
Indianapolis granted Richardson permission to seek a trade on February 26.
While Anthony Richardson will cost something in a trade, he will be cheap toward the salary cap. That’s key for the Vikings because of the team’s cap situation entering 2026.
Richardson’s guaranteed salary for 2026 is $5.385 million. The quarterback also has a fifth-year option for 2027.
Because teams will have to decide that option by May 1, no organization is likely to exercise Richardson’s option. So, wherever he plays in 2026, he has one year to prove he should receive a second contract.
That kind of motivation could be great for the Vikings to have along with McCarthy in their quarterback room.