Green Bay Packers
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A detail of a Green Bay Packers helmet against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers have some pressing needs heading into the 2026 NFL offseason. However, they also have a need at the quarterback position behind Jordan Love.
Malik Willis has been an elite backup over the last two years for the Packers. Unfortunately, he has played his way into an expected lucrative deal this offseason in free agency.
Assuming the team does end up losing Willis, they will need to replace him. Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay front office could look to free agency, the trade market, or the 2026 NFL Draft to bring in a new backup quarterback.
Plenty of options have been brought up as targets for the Packers. There is one trade target that sticks out among the other options as the most intriguing.
Green Bay Packers Could Swing Trade for Former No. 4 Overall Pick
One of the players who have been suggested for Green Bay is Indianapolis Colts signal caller Anthony Richardson. After just completing a deal with Chris Ballard and the Colts for linebacker Zaire Franklin, there is clearly a good working relationship between the two teams.
Richardson was taken with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. His career has not followed the expected path.
Throughout his three NFL seasons, Richardson has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He has completed 50.6 percent of his pass attempts for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, while also running for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns.
It has been reported by ESPN’s Stephen Holder that Indianapolis has given Richardson permission to seek out a trade. The Packers could make sense as the team to give him a second chance.
What Could a Packers-Colts Trade for Anthony Richardson Look Like?
At the end of the day, Richardson hasn’t done much to improve his trade value. He would be a fairly cheap trade option for Green Bay to consider.
Here is what one version of a Packers trade for Richardson could look like:
Green Bay Packers Receive: Anthony Richardson
Indianapolis Colts Receive: 2026 Seventh-Round Pick (#236 Overall)
When Green Bay acquired Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans, Gutekunst only had to give up a seventh-round pick. Trading a seventh-round selection for a quarterback with the talent of being a No. 4 overall pick would be worth the gamble for the Packers.
Love has missed time due to injury in each of the last two years. Keeping that in mind, Green Bay must make sure to bring in a legitimate backup option.
Richardson has had a rough start to his NFL career. Being able to learn from Matt LaFleur and Love would be a very welcome second chapter as he looks to get back on track.