NFL Mock Trade: New York Jets Bring In Anthony Richardson In Deal With Colts
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The New York Jets have endured the NFL’s worst start to the season, entering Week 7 with an 0-6 record on the year. Naturally, questions have been raised over the leadership of the Jets, with some being directed at the status of starting quarterback Justin Fields. Fields has posted several notable performances despite the lackluster start, but an abysmal Week 6 performance could spell the end for Fields’ reign as the starter under center in New York.
Behind Fields, Tyrod Taylor has suited up in two games with one start, leading the Jets in Week 3 despite a 29-27 loss versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As concerns arise in New York’s quarterback room, a potential trade target has emerged for the team ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline. Anthony Richardson has sat behind breakout quarterback Daniel Jones after being benched just two years removed from being selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Richardson has remained with the team, but trade rumors have continued to swirl around the 23-year -old. Earlier this week, the Colts placed Richardson on injured reserve following an orbital fracture suffered during a pregame incident.
Should Indianapolis elect to move on from Richardson, the Jets could be a prime destination for the highly touted quarterback. Here’s a look at what a trade for Richardson could cost New York’s front office:
Indianapolis Colts-New York Jets Mock Trade & Fantasy Football Impact
Indianapolis Colts receive 2027 third-round pick
New York Jets receive Anthony Richardson
It could be difficult for the Colts to command a significant haul for Richardson, given his struggles through each of his first two seasons. Now in Year 3, a third-round pick could wind up as one of the more competitive packages Indianapolis receives for the young quarterback. In the proposed trade, Richardson is dealt to the Jets for just that.
As Richardson navigates IR, he’d be an interesting trade target for the Jets, adding additional competition to the quarterback room as New York searches for a long-term option under center. Richardson could develop into exactly what the Jets are looking for. He offers similar explosive rushing ability to that of Fields with a stronger arm, albeit lackluster accuracy.
Former Detroit Lions pass game coordinator and current Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand could help Richardson develop his accuracy and ability to read different defensive coverages.
From a fantasy football perspective, Richardson offers game-breaking upside as a rusher despite inconsistent passing numbers. Should he suit up as New York’s starter at some point this season, he’d have quality weapons in Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. Neither Wilson or Hall’s fantasy stock would be affected majorly, though his inconsistency as a passer could hurt Wilson’s production both on the field and in fantasy.
Why The Jets Make The Trade
While Fields has managed several notable performances through New York’s 0-6 start, the Jets are far more than a quarterback away. The team needs further help in the pass game, but Fields’ performance hasn’t exactly been ground-breaking through five games. While Richardson remains a project, he still has all the physical tools of an effective franchise quarterback.
If New York’s coaching staff can help Richardson sort out his mentals, the upside is immense. A third-round pick is costly for an unproven project at the quarterback position, but New York should set its sights on the future. The front office can continue to fill out the roster as Richardson develops, and work him into a ready situation as opposed to throwing him to the wolves unprepared.
Why The Colts Make The Trade
Jones has given the Colts everything they could’ve hoped for from the quarterback position through five games. Indianapolis is tied for the best record in football, due in large part to the efforts of Jones. While he hasn’t yet mustered a playoff berth, he’s shown the Colts enough to remain in Indianapolis past this season.
With Jones likely to ink a multi-year deal with the organization, the writing could be on the wall for Richardson. As opposed to releasing the former first-round pick, Indianapolis could rake in a considerable pick for shipping out a backup quarterback.
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Ethen Hutton is a MLB, WNBA, College, and Fantasy contributor at On SI. Previously, he's covered the NBA, WNBA and NFL for Sportskeeda. Hutton is also a passionate fantasy football player and an immense music lover.