The Detroit Lions will need to find a quality backup quarterback behind Jared Goff this offseason after rolling with Kyle Allen this past season. Allen is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next month, leaving the Lions with a QB2-shaped hole on the roster.
The Lions can address their impending backup signal-caller vacancy in a few ways.
They could draft a QB in Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft, giving them a developmental option after the Hendon Hooker experiment didn’t pan out. Detroit could also look towards free agency, which begins in two weeks, and sign a Zach Wilson or Kenny Pickett to a one-year deal.
Or the Lions can try their hand at the trade market and go after Anthony Richardson. However, the Minnesota Vikings might have something to say about that. Richardson, who was the No. 3 overall pick back in 2023, is looking for his next opportunity as his time with the Indianapolis Colts is over.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported that the Colts have granted Richardson permission to seek a trade. Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network adds that the Vikings are a team to keep an eye on, as there’s mutual interest.
Lions Can't Let Vikings Pull Off an Anthony Richardson Trade
In theory, the idea of the Lions acquiring Richardson for a Day 3 pick isn’t a bad idea, as he could sit behind a year and develop for a year.
The Lions likely wouldn’t pick up his fifth-year option, which is a whomping $23.5 million. That would give them the flexibility to either re-sign him to a smaller deal or just let Richardson enter free agency.
With this talent and upside, Richardson would be an intriguing backup and potentially someone who could take over for Jared Goff, who has a potential out in his contract ahead of the 2028 season.
That said, knowing that there’s mutual interest between Richardson and the Vikings, it won’t be easy for Detroit if they want to get into an arms race. Minnesota can offer him a chance to start, as J.J. McCarthy’s play in 2025 left much to be desired.
Not to mention, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is a fan of Richardson. After a game in 2024, O’Connell gave Richardson a pep talk that was captured on video by NFL Films.
"You're a bad dude, and you're going to play a long time in this league. I still believe in you. I know these guys do, too,” the Vikings head coach said to Richardson, who was benched for Joe Flacco.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the Vikings did a lot of homework on Richardson before the start of the 2023 NFL draft. However, Minnesota had the No. 23 overall pick that year, while the Colts had the No. 4 pick.
Fast forward three years, and Richardson could be destined for Minnesota, unless Lions general manager Brad Holmes wants to throw a roadblock in the Vikings’ way.