Packers Rumored to Pursue Former Top-5 Pick to Replace QB Malik Willis

Green Bay looking to trade for Anthony Richardson after Willis' departure to Miami Dolphins

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:50pm

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The Green Bay Packers are reportedly interested in trading for former 4th overall pick Anthony Richardson from the Indianapolis Colts. This comes after the Packers' backup quarterback Malik Willis signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency, leaving a void in Green Bay's QB room behind starter Aaron Rodgers.

Why it matters

The Packers are an established organization with a strong offense and one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Rodgers. Bringing in a talented but unproven young QB like Richardson could be a good opportunity for him to develop under Rodgers' tutelage, similar to how Willis improved during his time in Green Bay.

The details

According to ESPN's Stephen Holder and Jeremy Fowler, the Packers are one of the teams monitoring the Colts' availability of Anthony Richardson, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his first three NFL seasons after being drafted 4th overall. The Colts are expected to move on from Richardson with the emergence of Daniel Jones as their new starting QB.

  • On March 14, 2026, ESPN reporters shared the Packers' interest in trading for Richardson.

The players

Anthony Richardson

A former 4th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft who has dealt with injuries and inconsistency in his first three seasons.

Malik Willis

The Packers' former backup quarterback who signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency, leaving a void in Green Bay's QB room.

Aaron Rodgers

The Packers' longtime starting quarterback and one of the best QBs in the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“Update on Colts QB Anthony Richardson, who is available via trade. No deal is imminent, per multiple sources. There are interested teams, but the dust is still settling from free agency. One particular team to monitor: the Green Bay Packers.”

— Stephen Holder, ESPN Reporter

“Situation will be important for Richardson. Green Bay would be a good one.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Packers will need to negotiate a trade with the Colts to acquire Anthony Richardson, and Richardson will need to prove he can develop and improve his game under Aaron Rodgers' mentorship in Green Bay.

The takeaway

This potential trade for Anthony Richardson represents an intriguing opportunity for the Packers to find a long-term replacement for Aaron Rodgers, while also giving Richardson a chance to revive his career in a stable, winning organization.