For now, Richardson as the first overall pick is just a recency-bias theory, but his momentum could solidify with the NFL draft seven weeks away. We shall see.
Vikings Fans’ Appetite for Anthony Richardson Might Surprise You
And assuming Richardson’s stock stays somewhere in the Top 10 — not at the very top of the board — Minnesota Vikings fans have very little appetite for trading the farm via Richardson acquisition.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (QB11) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
We gathered the temperature of a potential trade up the draft board with a somewhat reasonable trade package necessary to snatch Richardson, and most Vikings faithful said, “no thanks.” Depending on the trade partner, Vikings general manager would have to trade three 1st-Rounders for the pick that would land Richardson or possibly two 1st-Round picks and Minnesota’s 3rd-Rounder this year.
Here’s the first poll, with three 1st-Rounders. About 80% were unenthused:
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Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) warms up before the game against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL, on Sunday, October 2, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun. USA TODAY NETWORK.
Then, whittling down the package, possibly trading up to the No. 10 spot or so, Vikings fans were more open to the idea — but still firmly opposed:
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Most respondents cited Richardson’s lack of passing accuracy as their source of skepticism.
The poll results are a continuation of the widespread and neverending “Kirk Cousins debate,” as a large chunk of the fanbase remains convinced that Minnesota’s current QB1 can lead the team to the Promised Land. Of course, many anti-Cousins personalities loudly disagree, and such is life for Vikings football.
The Vikings must decide soon whether to extend Cousins beyond the 2023 season or let his contract play out. If Adofo-Mensah chooses the latter, Cousins could hit open free agency next year and embark on a Derek Carr-like world tour of suitors.
Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) scrambles with the ball during the second half against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL, on Sunday, October 2, 2022. © Matt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK.
Richardson, on the other hand, is the giant-but-fun draft mystery. He could effectuate his otherworldly combine performance for an NFL team as early as next year, take a few seasons to develop like Josh Allen in 2018 and 2019, or totally flame out like Malik Willis. At this time last year, Willis received ample draft hype, but general managers held off on him until Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft. Then, he utterly stunk for the Tennessee Titans and wasn’t trusted to quarterback a meaningless Week 17 game.
VikingsWire’s Tyler Forness has led the charge with Richardson-related excitement, retweeting the first poll with this caption, “In a heartbeat. Richardson has a generational type ceiling with his athleticism, arm talent, pocket presence, and intelligence. Think 2004 Daunte Culpepper potentially for a decade.”
The NFL draft begins on April 27th in Kansas City. Minnesota is expected to have five picks heading into the event.