The Detroit Lions' backup quarterback position isn’t high on general manager Brad Holmes' to-do list this offseason, as they have more pressing concerns on defense. At the same time, the Lions should not neglect finding a competent QB2 behind Jared Goff this offseason.
This past season, Detroit rolled with Kyle Allen as its backup, who beat out former third-round pick Hendon Hooker in the preseason. Allen was serviceable as a veteran backup in 2025, but the Lions need to find a younger quarterback worth developing, almost like how the Green Bay Packers did with Malik Willis.
The Lions have gotten lucky not needing a backup QB, as Goff has started in all 17 games for four straight seasons. That said, there will be some intriguing options available this offseason, including Anthony Richardson.
ESPN’s Stephen Holder is under the impression that the young Indianapolis Colts quarterback will seek a trade this offseason, assuming everything is good with Richardson’s vision, who suffered “a freak orbital bone injury.” Holder adds that there has been no trade request yet, per team sources, but it's starting to feel “inevitable.”
Assuming that a trade is in Richardson's future, the Lions would be wise to ensure that any deal will include a one-way ticket to the Motor City.
Potential Anthony Richardson Trade Should Be on Lions' Offseason Radar
It’s hard to gauge what it would cost Detroit or any team to acquire Richardson, given that he was a former first-round pick.
The NFL world has seen former first-round pick Kenny Pickett traded three times since 2024. The first time, the Steelers got a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks in return from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Steelers also gave up a 2024 fourth-round pick.
The last two times Pickett was traded, Day 3 draft picks were involved. It was the same story for Justin Fields, who was traded for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The San Francisco 49ers traded Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick.
Based on these returns, an early Day 3 pick will likely be the starting point in conversations for Richardson. The Lions are projected to have six picks on Day 3 of the draft, according to Tankathon: 118, 155, 180 (compensatory), 187, 204, 223
After seeing the Hooker experiment fail, Detroit shouldn’t be afraid to take a swing at developing another quarterback, this time it being Richardson.
Richardson has a ton of talent, but still has more room to grow as a passer. The ex-Florida Gator has shown potential, even if his career hasn't gone smoothly, tallying 2,400 passing yards and 11 touchdowns (to 13 interceptions) in 15 starts, all while adding 634 rushing yards and 10 more scores on 115 carries.
If Detroit acquired the former first-round pick, it would have to decide on picking up Richardson's fifth-year option, which would keep him on the roster until after the 2027 season.
If the Lions don't opt in, it would allow Richardson to hit free agency at the end of the 2026 season. That route could work out for head coach Dan Campbell as the Lions could see if he’s worth keeping around, and if not, can easily let him walk in free agency.
As we get closer to the start of free agency, it will be interesting to see if there’s anymore smoke regarding Richardson’s future, as well as if the Lions will officially throw their hat into the mix.