A blockbuster trade proposal has the Indianapolis Colts bolstering their already dangerous front seven by acquiring a two-time Pro Bowler.
Though they missed the postseason for a third straight year in 2023, the Indianapolis Colts made significant progress under rookie head coach Shane Steichen and finished with a surprising 9-8 record.
That mark is impressive when you consider that prized rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson was limited to four games because of injuries, forcing the team to lean on veteran backup Gardner Minshew II.
Not to mention that the rebuilding Colts also play in a tough AFC South featuring two other winning teams in the Houston Texans (10-7) and Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8).
That said, the Colts could use some more playmakers on a defense that finished 28th in scoring (24.4 points allowed per game).
Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler proposed a blockbuster trade idea that would see Indianapolis acquire two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jonathan Allen from the Washington Commanders in exchange for 2025 second and 2026 fourth-round picks:
“Adding a defender with the skill set of Jonathan Allen could be the addition that elevates the Colts in a loaded AFC. The two-time Pro Bowler is a force within the interior that has evolved into one of the leagues premier three-down defensive tackles.
As the Colts look to keep pace with the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and an improving Tennessee Titans roster in the AFC South, adding Allen to the mix is the type of move that elevates a rosters performance ceiling.
For the Commanders, it’s an opportunity to add a valuable pick and idealize the future of Daron Payne alongside Johnny Newton ( 2024 second-round pick) with depth in the form of John Ridgeway already under contract.”
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The 29-year-old Allen earned Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2022 after totaling 16.5 sacks. For his career, Allen has 39 sacks, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
The defense has plenty of talent led by DeForest Buckner, Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, Kenny Moore II and Julian Blackmon. But adding one more game-wrecking pass-rusher like Allen would give Indianapolis arguably the best front seven in football, pushing them that much closer to a playoff berth in 2024.
Indianapolis Colts Are A Sleeper Team To Follow In 2024
Richardson must stay healthy if the Colts are to contend in 2024. He has a nice set of playmakers in former rushing champion Jonathan Taylor, veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr. and promising rookie Adonai Mitchell to go along with a rock-solid offensive line.
If the defense can bounce back after a rough outing in 2023, then Indianapolis could re-emerge as a force in the AFC. They’ll open the 2024 season on Sept. 8 with a home tilt against the Texans.
