The Other Free Agent Quarterback in the Minnesota Vikings’ Orbit
Juliet had just begun to say, “Kylero, Kylero, wherefore art thou, Kylero?” As soon as the words slipped out, the news dropped about the coveted free agent quarterback. Kyler Murray is officially a Minnesota Viking.
In all seriousness, the decision did take a little while, creating some anticipation among fans of the team. By a Minnesota mile, Murray is the best option at this stage. He’s the strong favorite to lockdown the top job, but there’s a competition for a reason. However, is there yet another free agent quarterback who makes sense to add? If Anthony Richardson gets cut — something that’s possible but not yet a reality — does he make sense to add?
Anthony Richardson:
A Free Agent Quarterback in MIN’s Orbit
Going back to Kirk Cousins wouldn’t be without some merit.
The veteran has always had a sneaky strong arm. He’s accurate, works hard, and is smart. Players like having him on their team. Grafting him back into the mix wouldn’t be difficult since he knows the scheme and has built-in chemistry with the skilled fellas.
The issue at this stage is that adding him would mean doing so to enhance the QB3 job. Presumably, he’s not interested in that assignment, meaning Minnesota needs to look elsewhere.
Another name to know is Anthony Richardson. Now he is an option who makes some sense.
Only 23, Richardson may have another ten-to-fifteen years in the NFL. Similarly notable is his build, a frame that makes him look more like a pass rusher than someone who gets suplexed by pass rushers. Mr. Richardson is a shredded 6’4″ and 244 pounds.
Arm strength? A major asset. Speed? Elite. He ran a blistering 4.43, faster than Justin Jefferson.
Nevertheless, there are issues to consider. Most prominently, there’s his accuracy, or lack thereof. Richardson has only completed a touch above 50% of his passes across his three years in the NFL. Were he not a No. 4 selection alongside being someone who blends youth with crazy athleticism, Richardson would probably be out of the league.
Making matters even more discouraging is that he has suffered several injuries.
Consider one way to understand the Anthony Richardson possibility:
| Pros | Cons |
| Tremendous Size | Injuries Aplenty |
| High Draft Pick | Recently Demoted |
| Elite Speed & Arm Strength | Very Inaccurate |
| Raw in His Development | Raw in His Development |
The point here, folks, is to clarify that there are compelling reasons for and against making a move for Mr. Richardson. If there is a path ahead for the Vikings and Richardson, it involves a cheap deal to slot him into the QB3 job.
If the Colts move on with a cut, the Vikings should sign the still-young passer to slowly develop in the Twin Cities. Step away from the spotlight, get healthy, and soak up great coaching. After some time, Anthony Richardson can work toward his next chance (in Minnesota or elsewhere).
The Colts cutting Anthony Richardson provides zero cap relief. The benefit merely involves doing right by a young fella — giving him a chance to go elsewhere — while moving ahead into a new era. A trade, in contrast, frees close to $5.4M in cap space. Would the Vikings pay that money to acquire him?
What would be needed, in all likelihood, is a cut. In that scenario, Richardson would be a free agent quarterback whom the Vikings could acquire for cheap.
Keep an eye on the situation over in Indianapolis.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
