Forgotten Florida star could be the Rams perfect free agency gamble

The Seattle Seahawks managed to breathe new life into quarterback Sam Darnold's career. The Indianapolis Colts managed to do the same for Daniel Jones. So when it comes to a succession plan for veteran Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, the only solution is not limited to the NFL Draft.

Quite frankly, that may be the least likely place to find a worthy successor.

LA had already effectively polished the tarnished careers of veteran quarterbacks Baker Mayfield, Carson Wentz, and Jimmy Garoppolo. With that track record, it only makes sense to leverage the buy low/sell high principle. So who might fit Los Angeles' need for a future starting quarterback?

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson could be the perfect free agency gamble. While many fans have expressed little interest, just consider this. How many were thrilled with any suggestion to add either Darnold or Daniels?

And yet, they were two breakout quarterbacks of 2025.

Anthony Richardson can be 'that' guy in LA Rams offense

What motivates an NFL quarterback? While we can speculate, the LA Rams know the answer. They have found the secret sauce to rejuvenate the careers of Mayfield, Wentz, and Garoppolo. Even wide receiver Davante Adams has found the fountain of youth in Los Angeles and is having the time of his life.

Fans can debate the physical skills of young quarterback Anthony Richardson. But the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Colts quarterback is broken. That's right, after getting usurped by another struggling quarterback, Daniel Jones, he is struggling to find the passion for football that he once possessed.

And we know LA can solve that lack of passion.

The knock on Richardson was a need to invest time and patience to develop his skills. But the Indianapolis Colts, desperate to get him going, pushed him too quickly into the pocket, and he struggled. Now no more than a frustrated bench warmer, he is counting the days for his next opportunity, if one ever comes.

That's the same tale as that of Daniel Jones or Sam Darnold. Talented young quarterbacks in the wrong system. Richardson deserves a fresh start.

Rumors of the Colts releasing Richardson have plagued him for nearly a year. If he becomes a free agent, general manager Les Snead should scoop him up. What's the risk? A paycheck and a roster slot? What the reward? A franchise quarterback for the next 10 years? Seems like the type of gamble that Snead would love to roll the dice on.

What's the obsession with a tarnished Colts quarterback? Well, it's not often that a quarterback goes on record to cite Los Angeles as his dream destination. And that's the first clue. He wants to play in the Horns.

There are no guarantees for any player. Some pan out, others do not. But the quarterback succession for LA is not going away. It's now or never, folks. Desperate times call for desperate measures. It's time to ditch the theory and do something.

And that something could be as simple as bringing Anthony Richardson to LA to learn from veteran Matthew Stafford in 2026.

As always, thanks for reading.