It isn't any secret that the current Atlanta Falcons quarterback room remains a major question mark when it comes to health. Tua Tagovailoa has already been limited by an injury in the first weeks of camp, and Michael Penix Jr. is coming off a knee injury that is far from the first in his career. With this in mind, the Falcons have brought in undrafted rookie signing Jack Strand and backup Cooper Rush to compete for the final quarterback spot. A role that would make far more sense to fill with a player who has the potential to push for a starting spot.
Atlanta is throwing everything at the wall by bringing Tagovailoa in while still paying Kirk Cousins a hefty dead cap hit to play in Las Vegas. The level of desperation should invite exploring all options, and that includes current Colts backup Anthony Richardson. Indy grew undeniably frustrated with Richardson's mistakes, and questions about his mental toughness mounted and led to Daniel Jones taking over as the team's current starter a season ago.
Not only did Jones return, but the Colts have Riley Leonard and Easton Stick, who both have a very real chance to make the team's roster. With this in mind, there simply is no downside for the Falcons reaching out and finding out whether or not a late-round pick could be enough to bring in the project quarterback.
Richardson offers far more upside than Strand or Rush when looking at options to fall back on if injuries were to strike. The once-coveted prospect gives you a puncher's chance at finding the potential flashed throughout his career and perhaps finding an unexpected answer.
Falcons Shouldn't Hesitate to Attempt Trade for Quarterback Anthony Richardson
As much as the results have frustrated at the start of his career, the current backup is still only 24 and undeniably is physically gifted enough to start at the position. The Falcons taking a flyer simply doesn't present any obvious downside and hands the franchise another wildcard at a position already lacking any level of clarity.
For Richardson, it is a chance to wipe the slate clean and compete for a starting job or at least as a backup. If Tagovailoa isn't able to stay healthy, fans would be far more entertained by a battle between Penix and Richardson for the starting role than either of the other two options currently rostered.
Even if it doesn't prove to encourage progress from the young quarterback, it at least shows that your front office is exploring every possible option to find an answer at the position. One that could potentially be stabilizing beyond just the 2025 season.
Richardson has value as a runner as well, giving the Falcons a short-yardage weapon to help keep their starter healthy if the current Colt was put into a backup role. No question, any angle you choose to look at it from points to the consistent fact that Atlanta should be exploring the move, hoping to gain a cheap reclamation project and perhaps a surprise answer.
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