Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Anthony Richardson Sr.

Tuesday, February 17, 9:39 AM

The Minnesota Vikings could be looking to trade for a quarterback this offseason after former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness in his first full year as the starter. The Athletic's Alec Lewis writes that "there is perhaps no candidate who checks more boxes for what the Vikings are looking for than San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones." There are a lot of things that could attract the Vikings' front office and head coach Kevin O'Connell. The 27-year-old is a former first-rounder, comes from a Kyle Shanahan offense, and pushes the ball over the middle of the field. He's still under contract with San Fran for another year, but his guaranteed salary for 2026 is only $1 million. The biggest obstacle to Jones potentially landing in Minnesota is the 49ers driving a "hard bargain" for him after he had a solid season filling in for the injured Brock Purdy. To land Jones, the Vikes might have to make the Niners an offer they can't refuse.

Tuesday, February 17, 8:33 AM

The Indianapolis Colts have made it clear that Daniel Jones (Achilles) is their starting quarterback when he returns to full health, and ESPN's Stephen Holder writes that "it's becoming increasingly likely" that former first-rounder Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) "will wind up elsewhere." Richardson lost the preseason QB battle to Jones last summer, and the Colts have also "warmed to the idea" that sixth-rounder Riley Leonard can be the backup. According to team sources, Richardson has yet to request a trade, "but it is beginning to feel inevitable." Even though Richardson has been a disappointment and suffered a freak orbital bone injury in 2025, the Colts should be able to get something in return for a signal-caller who will be just 24 next season and is a former first-rounder. Richardson has elite rushing upside, but accuracy as a passer has been an issue, and he hasn't been able to stay healthy. There's no guarantee he'll compete for a starting role if he's traded away this offseason.