The Kansas City Chiefs traded for quarterback Justin Fields not too long ago, but one report indicates they originally targeted a different quarterback. Patrick Mahomes remains an elite quarterback, but the two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion is returning from an ACL injury and may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season. The team desperately needed a premium backup, as Gardner Minshew signed with the Arizona Cardinals, while Chris Oladokun and Shane Buechele did not impress in limited action.
While the team ultimately settled on journeyman Justin Fields, SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora reports Kansas City “considered” former top-five pick Anthony Richardson. Richardson, of course, lost the starting job to veteran Daniel Jones and spent the early part of the season as his primary backup before suffering a freak eye injury that sidelined him for the back half of the season.
Report: Chiefs Considered An Anthony Richardson Trade, Settled on Justin Fields
Anthony Richardson requested a trade earlier in the offseason, and the Colts granted that request, so it’s no surprise to see that other teams are looking into the former top-five pick. While his career to date hasn’t worked out, nobody can deny his athletic prowess. The 6′-4″, 244-pound quarterback is built like a tank, can run through linebackers and blow past defensive backs, and has an absolute cannon of an arm. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to put it all together on the field.
Throughout the course of his career, Richardson has completed just 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while adding another 634 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also battled injury throughout his career, which suggests his body cannot handle his physical style of play.
Anthony Richardson has not worked out for the Colts, but perhaps a change of scenery could bring out the best in the veteran. With most teams settling on their backup quarterbacks, the former top-five selection might have to spend 2025 with Indianapolis before signing a cheap deal as a backup in next year’s offseason.