Anthony Richardson could be just what the Rams need, considering Jimmy Garoppolo's possible retirement
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Rams may need to find a new quarterback as Jimmy Garoppolo considers retirement. Trading for Anthony Richardson from the Indianapolis Colts could be a viable option.
Key points
- Jimmy Garoppolo is considering retirement after 12 seasons
- The Rams need a backup quarterback
- Anthony Richardson may be available for trade
- The Colts signed Daniel Jones as their starting QB
- Richardson has been given permission to seek a trade
Mentioned in this story
Anthony Richardson could be just what the Rams need, considering Jimmy Garoppolo's possible retirement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Rams are facing a sudden vacuum in their QB room. With Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly considering retirement after 12 seasons, Sean McVay has lost his primary insurance policy for Matthew Stafford.
That said, Los Angeles has a ton of options to choose from when it comes to addressing their need for a backup signal-caller, and trading for Anthony Richardson from the Indianapolis Colts.
Anthony Richardson is a quality young backup with upside
Richardson's time in Indianapolis should be coming to an end soon, as the Colts signed Daniel Jones to a two-year extension this offseason to serve as the starter for the future. Indianapolis also gave Richardson permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason, so his departure feels inevitable.
Though Richardson has been mostly unimpressive in his career, he does have experience and still possesses elite athleticism and a strong arm. However, his decision-making leaves a lot to be desired and has held him back from being a consistent starter.
Richardson's best season came in 2024, when he posted a 6-5 record as the starter, though his 8-to-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio wasn't great.
Rams haven't needed a backup since 2024
Quarterback hasn't been a position of need for the Rams in a while. Los Angeles got a plethora of solid seasons out of Jared Goff, including a Super Bowl appearance during the 2018 season, before trading him to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford.
Stafford has delivered consistent winning to Los Angeles since arriving, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory in 2021.
Backup quarterback also hasn't been a need for the Rams for the last two years with Jimmy Garoppolo, but the veteran signal-caller could decide to hang up the cleats, so Los Angeles might have to find a new No. 2 quarterback.
Richardson could be a possible Rams trade target
Taking a flyer on Richardson would be a low-risk, high-reward move by the Rams.
The 23-year-old is young and still has a bunch of potential, and could learn a lot sitting behind Stafford, an MVP quarterback with nearly two decades of experience.
If Richardson develops well, he could be Stafford's successor in Los Angeles. If not, the Rams can just let him walk in free agency when his contract expires in 2028.
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Q&A
Why is Jimmy Garoppolo considering retirement?
Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly considering retirement after 12 seasons in the NFL.
What are the Rams' options for a backup quarterback?
The Rams have several options, including the potential trade for Anthony Richardson from the Colts.
What is Anthony Richardson's current situation with the Colts?
Anthony Richardson is expected to leave the Colts as they signed Daniel Jones and have given Richardson permission to seek a trade.
