The Los Angeles Rams are no strangers to bold, franchise-altering moves. From trading for Matthew Stafford to building a Super Bowl roster through aggressive acquisitions, the Sean McVay era has been defined by going all-in. Now, with Stafford at 37 and battling recurring back issues, analysts believe it may be time for the Rams to make their next defining move: a trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
The Colts’ Surprising Decision
On Tuesday, Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that Daniel Jones would start Week 1, edging out 2023 No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson. Indianapolis signed Jones to a one-year, $14 million deal this offseason, but few expected him to outright claim the starting role over Richardson.
The decision is significant because it reflects a lack of organizational trust in the former Florida star, whose career has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. At just 23 years old, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis already looks uncertain — and one potential landing spot generating buzz is Los Angeles.
Why the Rams Make Sense
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On paper, the Rams remain Stafford’s team. He returned to practice this week after sitting out much of training camp with an aggravated back injury, even connecting with new star receiver Davante Adams during team drills. McVay called it a “step forward,” but tempered expectations:
“It was good to be able to have Matthew out there,” McVay told reporters. “He did a good job today. I thought he looked good, but I don’t really have any updates. We’re going to keep it a day and really a week at a time.”
Back issues rarely improve with age, and the Rams know their Super Bowl hopes hinge on Stafford staying upright. That’s why Richardson, with his rare physical traits, has been linked to Los Angeles. With Adams and Puka Nacua under contract beyond Stafford’s deal, and McVay’s proven track record with quarterbacks, the infrastructure is in place to maximize his potential.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox called Richardson a “possible succession plan” for the Rams:
“While Richardson could benefit from gaining in-game experience, he could learn a lot by sitting behind an experienced veteran and/or learning from one of the NFL’s top offensive coaches. Richardson could also win by landing in Los Angeles, where he would gain guidance from McVay and tutelage from Matthew Stafford.”
The Trade Scenario
Enzo Flojo of ClutchPoints recently floated one potential deal: Stetson Bennett and a future Day 3 pick for Richardson. He called it the type of “high-risk, high-reward move that could define the McVay era.”
From Indianapolis’ perspective, the return is modest, but with Richardson’s value dipping and Jones entrenched as the starter, the Colts may be willing to listen. Other reports suggest it could take a Day 2 pick, but the Rams have cap space — nearly $22 million — and draft flexibility to make such a move.
For Los Angeles, the upside is clear. Stafford has one or two years left at most, and Richardson could sit behind him before taking over in 2026 or 2027. Learning McVay’s system in a low-pressure environment might finally unlock the raw ability that made him a top-five pick.
A Gamble Worth Considering
The risks are obvious. Richardson’s career to this point has been defined more by “what if” than “what is.” But the Rams have shown before that waiting for safe options isn’t their philosophy. As Flojo put it:
“Trading for Anthony Richardson wouldn’t just provide insurance for 2025. It could also set up the franchise for life after Stafford. It’s a gamble, no doubt, but one that aligns with the Rams’ philosophy of chasing championships at all costs.”
If Stafford stays healthy, Richardson gains a year of invaluable development. If Stafford falters, Richardson provides a dynamic, albeit raw, option to keep Los Angeles competitive.
The Rams’ window is open, but not for long. And if they want to avoid being caught flat-footed when Stafford’s career winds down, a bold swing for Richardson could be their best chance at ensuring both the present and future of the franchise.
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