Colts urged to trade Anthony Richardson for 2 assets to cut ties on huge draft bust
The Indianapolis Colts would've never wanted this to even be a possible conversation.
They drafted Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in 2023. He was supposed to finally be their quarterback answer after wandering in the wilderness following Andrew Luck's surprise retirement.
Instead, two-and-change years later, Richardson is in trade talks before the Nov. 4 NFL deadline.
It's a weirdly OK problem for the Colts to have, because they're 7-1, and Daniel Jones is shining brightly as their QB.
Maybe it is time to cut the losses and trade Richardson rather than having to figure out what to do with him later. If an offer comes in, maybe it's the right thing.
ESPN's Ben Solak has suggested one in a new analysis out Tuesday, writing that the Colts should trade Richardson to the Minnesota Vikings for a third- and a sixth-round pick.
"The price (a third-round pick) might look big," Solak writes. "But Trey Lance was moved for a fourth-round pick two years into his career, and Richardson has been better and played more at a similar career stage. Plus, there's a fifth-rounder going back."
Minnesota could use the dart throw, given Carson Wentz is out for the year and J.J. McCarthy is just coming back from an ankle injury and hasn't looked particularly polished when he's been out there.
"I don't know how bright of a future Richardson has in the league," Solak writes. "If he is to find one, it's hard to imagine a better place to rebound than in Minnesota under (Kevin) O'Connell. As evidenced by quarterbacks across the league, almost anything is possible in the right new home."
Jones is a great example of quarterback redemption.
Richardson probably won't turn it around in Indy. But maybe somewhere else, he'll have a chance.
A.J. Brown reveals 'why it’s frustrating at times' to be with Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown continues to be the subject of interesting rumors regarding his future ahead of the upcoming NFL trade deadline, which will arrive at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The Eagles reportedly don't plan to make Brown available this fall amid their Super Bowl title defense. During a recent chat with Brooks Kubena of The Athletic, Brown addressed his mindset and touched upon what motivates him as a player.
A.J. Brown shares why "it’s frustrating at times" to be with Eagles
"I know everybody’s counting on me — that’s my thrill," Brown explained. "And then I come through. That makes me proud of myself. And I’m doing it over and over again. And then I got another opportunity a couple of plays later. Third down. Everybody knows the ball’s coming to me. I love that feeling. Like, it’s a rush. I don’t do drugs, but that has to be what drugs feels like. And I’m getting that dopamine. And I’m coming through for my team again."
Earlier in October, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Brown and fellow Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith were frustrated with their roles in the offense and wanted "more touchdowns." That was before they tallied a combined 13 receptions for 304 yards and three scores in Philadelphia's 28-22 win at the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 19.
Brown more recently missed the Eagles' 38-20 victory over the New York Giants that improved Philadelphia to 6-2 this past Sunday because of a hamstring injury.
"...That’s where the excitement comes from," Brown continued. "And that’s why it’s frustrating at times. And maybe people really misunderstand me as a player, but those feelings — that’s what I want. You may see a little frustration. It’s because I really want to contribute. I really want to help this team win. But if I’m not getting the ball, obviously, it’s not as fun."
A.J. Brown reveals "main goal" ahead of trade deadline
The Eagles are in their bye and, thus, won't play again before all trades must be completed this season. Brown theoretically could've used Wednesday's piece to make it clear he would embrace a fresh start elsewhere, but he stopped short of confirming he wants to be traded.
"Obviously, I want to win," Brown added while speaking with Kubena. "That’s the main goal. But I want to help. I want to do my thing as well. And so it’s a little toll here and there sometimes. But I think that’s where the misunderstanding comes from, from everyone out there. But to be honest, I could really care less. This got me here. You know? And me playing this way, me having that drive, me having that mindset — it’s going to keep me here."
On Oct. 25, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Eagles were "not looking to trade" Brown. That's all well and good, but it remains fair to wonder if an offseason divorce involving the two sides is the inevitable conclusion to this saga.
