NFL rumors: Dolphins, Browns, Falcons urged to call up Colts about Anthony Richardson trade

With the NFL preseason winding down and the 2026 regular season approaching, FOX NFL writer Steve Ruiz believes the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons should explore a potential trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Richardson’s future in Indianapolis remains a storyline as Riley Leonard competes for the backup job behind starter Daniel Jones. Ruiz argued that several quarterback-needy teams should contact the Colts if Leonard secures the No. 2 role.

“I’m still not ready to give up on Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose preseason tape has been a lot better than the numbers imply,” Ruiz wrote. “Teams like Miami, Cleveland and Atlanta should give the Colts a call if Riley Leonard ends up winning the QB2 job behind Daniel Jones in Indy.”

Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, struggled statistically during Indianapolis’ 34-6 preseason loss to Atlanta on Saturday. The 24-year-old completed three of nine passes for 24 yards and posted a 42.4 passer rating. He added 15 rushing yards on three carries.

Leonard completed seven of 14 passes for 62 yards and recorded a 62.2 passer rating.

Anthony Richardson emerges as potential trade option for Dolphins, Browns, Falcons

Richardson’s most productive NFL season came in 2024, although his performance remained inconsistent. He threw for 1,814 yards while completing 47.7% of his passes, recording eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions across 11 games. He finished with a 61.6 passer rating and a 44.1 quarterback rating.

His dual-threat ability remained a significant part of his production. Richardson rushed for 499 yards on 86 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt while scoring six touchdowns. He also recorded seven fumbles, losing one.

Ruiz additionally highlighted Atlanta’s quarterback situation, where Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. are competing for the starting position.

“Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. are competing for the Falcons’ starting job, but undrafted free agent Jack Strand, a standout Division II Minnesota State–Moorhead quarterback, might be the best quarterback on the roster,” Ruiz wrote.

Miami enters the season with Malik Willis atop its revamped quarterback room, while Cleveland also faces questions at the position. Richardson’s combination of youth, athleticism and starting experience could make him an intriguing trade candidate if Indianapolis becomes willing to move its former first-round pick.

With final roster decisions approaching, Richardson’s status will remain worth monitoring as the Colts determine their quarterback hierarchy behind Jones.

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