Steelers Seriously Upset Fans As New Trade Talk For QB Anthony Richardson Gains Steam

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation has had them linked to virtually any and every option over the last few seasons. One option that has never been exciting for Steeler Nation is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson was drafted fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, which, looking back on it, feels arguably way high. He has shown flashes of his potential with a strong arm and elite running ability, but he has not consistently inspired confidence as a long-term starter in the league.

On top of the inconsistency, Richardson’s early NFL career has been defined by availability concerns. He has dealt with a variety of injuries that have limited his time on the field and disrupted his development. 

Even when he has played, there have been moments that raised eyebrows, including him infamously taking himself out of a game due to fatigue. That combination of durability questions and uneven production has made him a polarizing figure across the league.

That is why when Kay Adams recently suggested on her show that it may be time for Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and new Head Coach Mike McCarthy to explore a trade for Richardson, it immediately caught attention. The idea brings more questions than answers for a fan base already craving stability at quarterback. While the upside is undeniable, the risk attached to a move like that is exactly what makes this discussion so divisive in Pittsburgh.

"I think it would be smart and a way to not invest too much draft capital... go get Anthony Richardson," Adams said. "Go get the other AR. Respectfully to the GOAT AR, future HOFer AR. Chris Ballard confirmed yesterday that Anthony requested a trade and I sent that to him right away and said hallelujah... for a late to mid-round pick, you can bring a guy into the building who is 23 years old, who I spoke to Chris Ballard about, who I know has unlimited upside."

While the Steelers are waiting to find out what is going to happen with Aaron Rodgers, they still have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph in their quarterback room. Adams is suggesting they add Richardson for a late to mid-round pick because his upside is still so high and the risk now is so low. She believes that Richardson getting to mentor under Rodgers for 2026, should Rodgers be the Steelers’ quarterback, would be even more fruitful.

Adams also points to the idea that a low-cost move like this would give Pittsburgh a developmental swing without tying up major assets.

"Mike McCarthy, are you a great coach? How great of a head coach are you? If it all works out, you do have your guy for the future at the age of 23 years old," Adams said. "We are talking about not a huge investment."

In her view, it is the type of calculated gamble that could either reshape the quarterback room or simply be moved on from if it does not work out.

Steelers Fans Would Hate A Richardson Trade

Former Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell was in the replies of Adams’ post saying, “nooooo,” and countless other Steelers fans echoed the same exact sentiment. Many seem to be out on Richardson, but as Adams suggested, maybe it is worth the small risk considering where his upside is.

Adams has had conversations internally with the important decision-makers of the Colts. She knows about Richardson and, based on that, is confident McCarthy could help him develop if he were brought into the right system. This is a situation worth monitoring as the offseason progresses closely.

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