PACKERS GIVEN CHANCE TO FOLLOW MALIK WILLIS WITH $34 MILLION RECLAMATION QB
GREEN BAY, WI – FEBRUARY 26, 2026: The Green Bay Packers made an exceptional move last season by acquiring quarterback Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Willis, who had been struggling to find his place as a starter, became a valuable asset to the Packers, particularly as a backup to Jordan Love. His $34 million reclamation contract turned out to be an elite bargain for Green Bay. Now, a similar opportunity has presented itself in the form of another young quarterback whose career has stalled: Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts.
The Packers’ New Opportunity: Anthony Richardson
In a surprising move, the Indianapolis Colts have granted Anthony Richardson the opportunity to seek a trade as the 2026 NFL season approaches. Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, has faced difficulties in his time with the Colts, appearing in only 24 games and making just 13 starts in his college career before being drafted. Despite his raw talent, the project quarterback has struggled to develop into a starter at the professional level.
On February 26, ESPN’s Stephen Holder broke the news on social media, revealing that Richardson, entering the final year of his $34 million rookie deal, was being allowed to explore his options ahead of free agency. “NEWS: The Indianapolis Colts have given QB Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade given his uncertain future in Indy, ESPN has learned,” Holder tweeted.
Similarities to Malik Willis
While Anthony Richardson comes with a higher price tag than Malik Willis, both quarterbacks share many similarities. Like Willis, Richardson is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to impact the game with his legs. Richardson’s athletic ceiling is considered elite, and his physical traits have drawn comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in the league. However, like Willis, Richardson has yet to prove himself as a consistent NFL starter, leaving him in need of a fresh start in a new environment that can help him unlock his potential.
Richardson’s Fit in Green Bay
For the Green Bay Packers, trading for Richardson could represent a similar reclamation project to the Willis move. With Jordan Love firmly entrenched as the starter, the Packers would not need Richardson to start immediately. Instead, he could serve as a solid backup with the opportunity to learn and develop behind Love. This would provide Richardson with the time and space to grow under the guidance of one of the NFL’s top offensive minds, Matt LaFleur.
The Packers’ system, which has already seen success with Malik Willis, could be an ideal fit for Richardson’s skill set. Green Bay has familiarity with dual-threat quarterbacks, and Richardson’s ability to make plays with his legs and arm could be the perfect complement to Love’s more traditional style. The Packers have seen firsthand how a mobile backup quarterback can add a new dimension to their offense, especially in situations where Love might be sidelined or struggling.
Reduced Pressure and the Packers’ QB Room
Richardson’s move to Green Bay would also alleviate some of the pressure he faced in Indianapolis. Playing behind Jordan Love, who has been given the reins as the starting quarterback, would allow Richardson to develop without the immediate burden of starting. The Packers’ fan base, known for being supportive and patient with young quarterbacks, would provide a welcoming environment for Richardson to grow.
This reduced pressure, paired with the chance to learn from LaFleur and a veteran backup like Willis, could help Richardson unlock the potential that made him one of the top draft picks in 2023. With his athletic ability, Richardson has the tools to succeed if given the right coaching and development, and Green Bay could be the perfect place for him to realize that potential.
The Financial Considerations
While the price tag for Anthony Richardson may be higher than Willis’s, the Packers could still afford the trade. With Richardson’s $34 million rookie deal entering its final year, Green Bay would be acquiring a high-upside quarterback at a relatively affordable rate compared to some other free-agent quarterbacks. Richardson’s contract could also be an attractive bargaining chip for the Packers, as they look to strengthen their roster without breaking the bank.
For the Colts, trading Richardson might be seen as a way to move on from a quarterback who has not panned out as they hoped. With Richardson’s uncertain future in Indianapolis, the Colts might look to recoup assets in a trade rather than let him walk away after the final year of his rookie deal. For the Packers, acquiring Richardson would give them another shot at developing a young quarterback with elite potential.
Conclusion: Could the Packers Make the Move?
The opportunity for the Green Bay Packers to pursue Anthony Richardson in a trade could prove to be another masterstroke in their pursuit of quarterback depth. After successfully acquiring Malik Willis for a seventh-round pick, the Packers now find themselves in a similar position with Richardson. With Love firmly established as the starter, the Packers could acquire Richardson as a high-upside backup with the potential to develop into a future star.
For Richardson, a fresh start in Green Bay could be the perfect environment to unlock his potential. With Matt LaFleur at the helm and a supportive fan base behind him, Richardson has the tools to thrive in a system that can harness his dual-threat abilities. Whether or not the Packers decide to pull the trigger on a trade remains to be seen, but the possibility of acquiring Anthony Richardson would certainly add another intriguing storyline to an already interesting offseason for Green Bay.
As the 2026 NFL offseason continues to unfold, the Packers will have plenty of decisions to make. Will they take a chance on Richardson, or will they look elsewhere for depth at the quarterback position? Only time will tell, but Green Bay’s quarterback room could soon look very different.
