The Buffalo Bills have their own issues to worry about this offseason, but Bills Mafia can at least take comfort that unlike two teams in the AFC East, they have their quarterback firmly in place. The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins will both be looking for new quarterbacks this offseason, and slim are the pickings for the NFL’s routine beggars.
With the QB class in this year’s draft falling well short of expectations and the free agent class void of credible talent, the Jets and Dolphins might find their answer to their longstanding quarterback woes on the trade market.
That market is reportedly going to heat up this offseason, as Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback and former No. 3 overall pick Anthony Richardson is expected to ask the franchise for a trade, according to ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder.Â
Bills Mafia shouldn’t be surprised if Anthony Richardson lands in the AFC East
Richardson has battled injuries and questions around his effort and toughness in his first three seasons, which led the Colts to sign failed New York Giants QB Daniel Jones as a failsafe last offseason. Jones won the quarterback battle and surprised the NFL world with an MVP-level performance through the first half of the season, before injuries derailed his promising comeback campaign.
Nonetheless, the writing was on the wall from training camp that Richardson’s time in Indianapolis would come to an end sooner rather than later. Now, with reports circulating that Richardson will likely request a trade, sooner has arrived, giving the Bills’ basement-dwelling AFC East rivals a chance to strike.
The Jets have more draft capital to execute trades with, carrying 11 picks into the 2026 NFL Draft. The Dolphins only have eight picks, but seven of them are in the top 150 picks, which is more than New York. That said, even at 23 years old, Richardson isn’t going to demand high value in the trade market, likely a mid-round pick and a late pick swap being enough to send him to his next NFL home.
That said, the Jets did just endure a brief experiment with Justin Fields, who, like Richardson, has arm talent and absurd athleticism, but has been hampered by poor decision-making, injuries, and struggles to consistently read NFL defenses. Despite lacking favorable quarterback options with the No. 2 and No. 16 picks, the latter from Indianapolis, it really is worth wondering if the Jets would want to go through a similar experience over a veteran stopgap like Jacoby Brisett.
As for the Dolphins, new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and pass-game coordinator Kevin Patullo had some success with C.J. Stroud and Jalen Hurts, two quarterbacks with turbulent NFL careers. However, Slowik lost his job in Houston because of his failures with Stroud in his second season, while Patullo’s playcalling gave Hurts and the Eagles a down season in 2025. That doesn’t paint a pretty picture for Richardson’s future if he lands there.
Still, for Richardson, either landing spot would at the very least offer him the opportunity to prove his toughness and resilience at the NFL level. Neither situation would be conducive to him quickly getting his career back on track. But, if he’s able to raise his mental acuity to match his elite physical traits, afforded some patience, Richardson could begin to turn things around as the roster around him grows, whether in New York or Miami.
Plenty of teams beyond the Bills’ lowly AFC East rivals have reason to have some level of interest in bringing in Richardson, especially after the redemption story Sam Darnold just completed in Super Bowl LX. Nonetheless, it won’t be the least bit shocking to Bills Mafia if Richardson is on Buffalo’s schedule twice in 2026.