According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Indianapolis Colts quarterback is an intriguing trade candidate ahead of early November’s league deadline—as he could be reportedly ‘open’ to going to a top offensive playcaller:
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Faces Cancer Battle, Shares How Team's Success Helps Him Stay Strong
Posted October 2, 2025
In an emotional announcement that has reverberated throughout Green Bay, Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst has shared that he is currently battling cancer. Known for his key role in shaping the Packers’ roster and building a team that consistently competes at a high level, Gutekunst has always placed his heart and soul into the success of the franchise. Despite the personal health challenge he now faces, Gutekunst remains unwavering in his commitment, finding inspiration and strength in the Packers’ ongoing success.
Since taking over as GM in 2018, Gutekunst has been instrumental in maintaining the Packers’ championship pedigree. Under his leadership, the team has made numerous playoff appearances, securing NFC Championship game berths, and continuing to develop a strong foundation for the future. His ability to make crucial moves, including drafting key players like Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary, has been integral to the team’s success.
In his statement, Gutekunst shared that every victory the Packers secure gives him renewed strength. "Every win we achieve here in Green Bay serves as a reminder of what we can accomplish as a team," Gutekunst said. "It helps me stay focused and energized, and it reminds me that I have a reason to keep fighting. This team, this city, and our fans inspire me every day."
Packers fans, who have always admired Gutekunst for his leadership, have expressed overwhelming support for the GM as he faces this difficult time. The bond between Gutekunst, the team, and the Green Bay community is strong, and his personal fight with cancer has only strengthened that connection.
Gutekunst’s battle with cancer is a reminder of the resilience that runs through the Packers organization. His determination to continue working despite his illness mirrors the grit and toughness the team exhibits on the field. As the Packers continue their pursuit of excellence, they do so with the strength and inspiration drawn from Gutekunst’s perseverance.
ESPN speculates Colts QB Anthony Richardson ‘open’ to trade to top play calling team
“Outside of that, there’s not a clear-cut need for teams, barring injury. One intriguing option is Anthony Richardson Sr., who is stuck behind Daniel Jones in Indianapolis,” writes Fowler.
“My sense is Richardson would be open to joining a premier playcaller such as Sean McVay as a developmental player so he can reset for 2026.”
Honestly, this doesn’t seem like necessarily new information, as Fowler and his ESPN colleague Dan Graziano previously reported that the since demoted 3rd-year quarterback and his representation
“broached the idea of a trade with Colts general manager Chris Ballard”—although they weren’t demanding it at that time.
If I were an NFL quarterback looking to continue my development elsewhere with elite level coaching, it would make sense to go to a ‘quarterback whisperer’ of sorts with either the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, or San Francisco 49ers—if given the potential option.
However, one could make the case that such a list of quarterback gurus includes Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who’s had prior success with Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and even turned quarterback Gardner Minshew into a first-time career Pro Bowler with Indianapolis back in 2023.
Given reclamation project Daniel Jones’s initial success, and it’s a fair question of whether the issue is not Steichen, but rather Richardson’s inability to master the offense and take his craft seriously enough.
This honestly seems like a national media created story—and possible public distraction for the Colts, who so far are off to a hot start at 3-1 and were a few 2nd half mishaps last weekend on the road against the Rams from remaining undefeated at 4-0.
At any rate though, I do think it’s too early to safely declare that Jones is the long-term answer for the Colts after just 4 starts, so that Richardson’s presence now becomes an afterthought and luxury.
One, because it’s not the first time that Jones has shown flashes of exceptional quarterback play. After all, he once earned a 4-year, $160M contract extension back in March of 2023. The sample size here is still pretty limited. Two, he hasn’t necessarily been the gold standard for durability during his 7-year NFL career, and given his utilized mobility, it makes sense to have a capable backup.
