ESPN’s analysts are pounding the table on a bold prediction: the Pittsburgh Steelers are “destined” to trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson during the 2026 offseason. According to ESPN NFL insider Kevin Clark, Richardson is almost predetermined to end up in Pittsburgh’s quarterback competition next offseason, making this a storyline fans won’t want to ignore.
📌 Why ESPN Sees This Trade as Inevitable
Aaron Rodgers is set to start for Pittsburgh in 2025, but it appears clear he’s nearing the end of his career. Rodgers himself has hinted 2025 might be his final season, creating looming uncertainty at the QB position moving into 2026. That uncertainty leaves the Steelers looking for forward‑thinking options.
ESPN’s Kevin Clark emphasized Richardson’s upside, calling him “destined” for Pittsburgh’s 2026 QB battle. Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell proposed a hypothetical trade involving Pittsburgh sending the No. 21 pick and a 2027 conditional pick to Indy in exchange for Richardson and the Colts’ No. 45 pick. That mock deal earned a “B+” grade for Pittsburgh — a low‑risk, high‑upside gamble.
💥 The Upside of a Deal
Richardson is perhaps the most physically gifted quarterback in recent NFL drafts — big arm, elite athleticism, and serious playmaking ability. In top form, he offers the kind of explosive upside the Steelers haven’t seen since the prime years of Ben Roethlisberger. In Arthur Smith’s offense, and playing alongside weapons like DK Metcalf and George Pickens, Richardson’s strengths could be maximized.
From a Steelers perspective, getting Richardson for a second‑round package would represent a modest cost and leave room to draft a rookie QB as well — giving the club both developmental flexibility and potential star power.
⚠️ But There Are Real Risks
Richardson’s résumé remains underwhelming. In his two seasons with Indianapolis, he’s started 15 games with just an 8–7 record and a 50.6 % completion rate, with 11 touchdowns and 13 picks. Injuries have played a role too — he’s missed chunks of both seasons, including a serious shoulder injury in 2023 and an oblique issue in 2024.
Red flags extend beyond durability. Some analysts and fans argue he overrelies on his physical tools and has struggled with reading defenses, accuracy, and decision‑making. A vocal contingent of Colts and Steelers fans have dismissed the idea entirely.
⚖️ Bottom Line
While the trade remains purely speculative at this point, ESPN is painting a compelling and dramatic picture. With Rodgers likely on his last contract, the Steelers will need to find an answer at QB — and Anthony Richardson fits the mold of a potentially transformational, albeit high‑risk, candidate. Whether Pittsburgh actually pulls the trigger remains uncertain, but ESPN clearly believes the pieces are aligning.
