NFL insider: QB Anthony Richardson meets with Panthers, Raiders before Florida Pro Day

Anthony Richardson is readying to show his stuff to a litany of interested NFL franchises on Thursday, taking part in Florida‘s Pro Day.

Ahead of the tremendous opportunity, Richardson has met with two teams who are fascinating with the budding star. According to NFL Network, the former Gators signal-caller met with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday night, and has also had dinner with the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Like the other potential top quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft, Anthony Richardson has met with the team owning the No. 1 overall pick ahead of his Thursday pro day, airing live on NFL+ at 11:30 a.m. ET,” wrote Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Thursday morning that Richardson met with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday night, per sources informed of the situation.

“The Florida QB also had dinner with the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 7 spot.”

Of course, the Panthers own the first overall selection after a trade with the Chicago Bears, and the Raiders have the No. 7 overall pick in the NFL Draft. That may be a little too low to land Richardson, but perhaps a trade would be in order if Las Vegas falls in love with the former Florida star.

Moreover, the news of the Panthers taking an interest in Richardson comes after freshly-minted Carolina head coach Frank Reich waxed poetic regarding Richardson, saying some of his tape makes you think he’s an easy choice for the top pick.

“Yeah, he’s an exciting player,” Reich said. “Even before the combine, you know, watching his tape, there are plays and throws all over the tape that scream top pick. And that’s a credit to him. I think he has upper body mechanics that are really solid.

“Obviously, his completion percentage is lower than you want at this level. But I don’t get too discouraged with things like that.”

Of course, the Panthers have been doing their due diligence at the pro days of the top quarterback choices, and Florida’s will be no different, as Greg Auman of FOX Sports reported that their full contingent is in Gainesville on Thursday.

“Panthers have had a full contingent at all four QB pro days in the past week or so, and Frank Reich, Scott Fitterer and Josh McCown are among those here in Gainesville again today,” tweeted Auman.

As you can see, Anthony Richardson represents one of the more fascinating cases ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Many teams have their eyes on him, but only one will land the quarterback with star potential moving forward.