GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback for 2026 might not be on the roster or in the draft but in a potential trade. Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano wrote about hypothetical trades that could happen during the 2026 NFL draft process, with Arizona making an appearance early. The Cardinals question at QB, with a limited field available in the draft, Vacchiano has the franchise taking a chance on former top five pick Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
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Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Vacchiano on why Cardinals should take risk with Richardson:
“Why not take a low-risk flier on the former first-round pick with a big body (6-4, 244), huge arm and untapped potential? The Cards have veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew as place-holders at quarterback until the 2027 draft, but Richardson would give new coach Mike LaFleur, a Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan disciple, a young player to try and develop. If it works out in the last year of his deal, maybe they re-sign him and keep him as a backup to (or competition for) next year’s rookie. Or maybe he becomes a future trade asset. If not, they let him go. But right now, the more options they have at quarterback, the better.”
Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) watches the action on the field from the sidelin at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
The proposed price for such a trade would be the 217th overall pick in this year’s draft and a 2027 conditional sixth-round pick. At such a low price, with the amount of upside Richardson has, the Cardinals will surely have to consider a potential trade.
Indianapolis took a risk taking a raw prospect like Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 draft, but the arm strength alone and imposing size made the weaknesses bearable. However, four games into his rookie season, the 23-year-old suffered an Shoulder A/C Joint sprain that ended his first year. Despite the limited snaps, Richardson show some highlight worthy plays during his four starts, throwing for 577 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The hope created from that highlight became a fleeting feeling in his sophomore season, starting 11 games and throwing 12 interceptions and only eight touchdowns. A league-worst 47.7 completion percentage and drama surrounding his commitment to the team led to the Colts starting then 39-year-old Joe Flacco.
Richardson would lose out the starting job to Daniel Jones during this past preseason and suffered a orbital fracture during warmups in Week 6 that put him out for the season. In short notice, Indianapolis is ready to move on from Richardson, which could open the door for Arizona to take a flyer on the 6’4, 244 pound QB.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) prepares to play the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on Dec 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cardinals could save some key draft assets by not trading into the first round of the 2026 NFL draft to take a QB like Ty Simpson. Electing to use later round pick to take a risk on Richardson, who is on the last year of his deal anyways. If the third-year quarterback has nothing to off the franchise heads into next draft process in the same position, but with a much better QB draft class in 2027.
Jeremiyah Love “in play” for Cardinals third overall in 2026 NFL Draft
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
