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The Indianapolis Colts just endured a brutal loss to the Tennessee Titans, essentially eliminating their chances of winning the AFC South this season. They will be a wild card team at best and will have a tough time making the seven-team playoff field, given the depth in the AFC North and AFC West. With the 2021 NFL trade deadline right around the corner, we take a look at potential Colts trade scenarios that could emerge.
The Colts play the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, a very quick turnaround from their Sunday loss to the Titans. They should be able to win that game and remain in the playoff hunt, and they do still have two games left against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yet, given the flaws on their roster, just how much do they want to give up in order to obtain any pieces? Should they be sellers more than buyers? These are not clear-cut questions for the franchise, given that a wild-card team — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — won the Super Bowl last season. Getting into the playoffs with the No. 6 or 7 seed could still be a gateway to a big season, even though the AFC South belongs to the Titans. There is a lot to consider in Indianapolis.
Here are two Colts trades that could happen before the 2021 NFL trade deadline.
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Colts Trade
Marlon Mack
It is well known that with Nyheim Hines and Jonathan Taylor on the roster, the Colts have a running back room which is clearly established. Mack is the odd man out. Indianapolis has way too much clutter and needs to free up a roster spot at the NFL trade deadline, creating a better use of resources.
The Colts could deal Mack for a future NFL draft pick, acquiring an asset they can use to meet team needs next spring. It is well known that Indianapolis needs help at cornerback. The team has blown multiple double-digit leads this season. Pass defense with a lead has not been remotely reliable for head coach Frank Reich. That has to be addressed, though not necessarily by getting a high-profile acquisition such as Kyle Fuller.
The Colts could simply get a pick in return for Mack and bide their time until 2022, considering their options and maybe using that pick itself as a future trade chip if they want to find value in later rounds.
Kemoko Turay
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Colts have underperforming defensive ends they need to get rid of. Ben Banogu is one, and Turay is another. Indy's lack of a strong pass defense, connected to its inability to protect considerable leads, is not just a matter of having inadequate cornerback play. Defensive ends and pass rushers aren't giving the organization as much value as they could or should.
Trimming the fat on this roster will enable the Colts to see where they can become more efficient and maximize value. As is the case with a Marlon Mack deal before the NFL trade deadline, a trade involving Turay or Banogu might not fetch a veteran player in return. Indianapolis could gain 2022 picks and give itself a chance to take some swings in the NFL draft.
As you consider a Colts trade, the organization probably needs to realize that the failed Carson Wentz gamble leaves them in a position where they're not one of the three or four best teams in the AFC, at least for this year. If they are realistic about that particular point, they should lean toward being sellers and not buyers at the NFL trade deadline.
