The Rams have been gifted an intriguing succession plan for Matthew Stafford

After veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford was named MVP of the 2025 NFL season, he used his speech to announce that he was returning to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season. The Rams were certainly happy because they believe they have unfinished business to handle, but the franchise was also happy because it hasn’t identified a successor for Stafford yet.

There is now an intriguing option for the Rams after some recent NFL news. On Thursday, ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported that the Indianapolis Colts have given quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade.


While there are question marks surrounding the young quarterback, Los Angeles could absolutely explore adding Richardson and developing his talent into the franchise’s next quarterback.

Anthony Richardson could be a QB option for the Rams

While Stafford will be back under center in 2026, it’s clear that he’s nearing the end of his career. The 38-year-old quarterback will be entering his 18th season, and the fact that his future was a question mark this offseason is a sign that he’ll likely be hanging up his cleats in the coming years.

Head coach Sean McVay and company will have to find someone who can keep the good times rolling.

That player could be in one of the next two drafts, or it could be Anthony Richardson, who was selected fourth overall in the 2023 Draft. Richardson once looked like the future at quarterback for the Colts, but they are ready to move on after just three seasons.

That comes after three years filled with exciting moments, struggles, and injuries.

Richardson played just 17 games, starting 15, and completed 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, while rushing for 634 yards and 10 additional touchdowns. At times, he looked like a force that would inevitably dominate the NFL, and other times he looked like an inexperienced quarterback figuring things out.

Los Angeles’ coaching staff should be intrigued. The coaching staff is built around developing quarterbacks.

Now they may have an opportunity to see if they can consistently get Richardson to showcase the first part of that equation. Trading for him this offseason would allow him to learn and develop behind Stafford, hopefully growing into a player the Rams feel comfortable giving the keys to once Stafford retires.