The Indianapolis Colts (3-2). have exceeded expectations early in the 2023 season, placing themselves in a two-way tie with the Jacksonville Jaguars for first in the AFC South.
Star running back Jonathan Taylor missed the club’s first four games, and rookie QB Anthony Richardson (he’s already missed one game ) is on the IR with a shoulder injury. Despite these injuries, the Colts’ are sporting an efficient offense that has averaged 24 points per game, the 11th-best mark in the league.
If the Colts remain in playoff contention leading up to the Oct. 31 trade deadline, GM Chris Ballard should definitely be a buyer. And if he is, Ballard should see if a deal can be had with one of the Colts’ AFC rivals, the Denver Broncos.
Denver’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night dropped them to 1-5 on the year. At this rate, the AFC West club should be a hard trade deadline seller.
One of Denver’s top trade chips is fourth-year wideout Jerry Jeudy. If he is available, the Colts should pursue the opportunity to pair the Alabama product with Taylor and fellow standout receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
An offer from the Colts could look like this: Jeudy in exchange for a 2024 third-round conditional third-round pick that becomes a second-rounder if the Colts make the postseason plus a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Richardson and Gardner Minshew II would have three capable 1,000-yard offensive weapons in Taylor, Jeudy and Pittman Jr to bolster their playoff hopes. As for the Broncos, they get two valuable picks to help commence what will likely be a painful rebuilding period.
