The Indianapolis Colts have had a disappointing 2021 campaign so far, after making some key offseason moves and having a solid roster that went to the postseason last year. Even though they have played better in recent weeks, the team’s offense has not been consistent. Colts running back Marlon Mack has already requested a trade from the team. Mack was a dynamic runner a couple of seasons ago, but the presence of both Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines has made the position a crowded one. Mack does not have a role on the offense anymore. Because they play in the worst division in the NFL, look for the Colts to be active at the upcoming deadline.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Trade Deadline Previews.
The Colts’ Current Status
Current record: 2-4
Division Standings: Second in the AFC South
In the Playoff Picture: No
Buyers or Sellers: Buyers
Current NFL Draft Slot: Ninth Overall
Potential Trade #1: 2022 third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Odell Beckham Jr.
The Colts’ No. 1 priority at the trade deadline should be to add a wide receiver. Michael Pittman Jr. has taken a step forward this season, and is currently the team’s best weapon on the outside. T.Y. Hilton is just now coming back from an injury, but he has not been spectacular in recent seasons. Zach Pascal is not anything more than a depth piece at receiver.
Beckham Jr. is finally back on the field for the Browns, but he has not made an impact yet. Ever since he was traded to Cleveland, it has been an odd fit for the wide receiver. It just seems like a separation between the Browns and Beckham Jr. may be best for both parties. Cleveland would get a good draft pick in return and the Colts would get Carson Wentz a weapon to work with, in an effort to help close the gap between them and the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South.
Potential Trade #2: 2023 second-round pick to the Chicago Bears for Allen Robinson
Robinson represents another potential target at receiver for the Colts. He’s off to one of the worst starts of his career, but is consistently one of the more underrated receivers in the NFL. Robinson is currently playing on the franchise tag and wants a new contract. It might take getting him to a new team for that to happen. It would be great for the Colts to add a top option at receiver, and Robinson would in fact be the top option. Whether he actually is available via trade, however, is an entirely separate issue. If the Bears really don’t want to give Robinson a new contract, they should look to move him. The price might be expensive, but for a player of Robinson’s stature, it would be a great fit for the Colts.
Potential Trade #3: 2022 sixth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for Clelin Ferrell
This might not be the splashiest move that the Colts could make, but it makes sense to try and upgrade their pass rush. The Colts selected Kwity Paye in the first round of this year’s draft, but they do not have any other pass rushers that they can count on. Ferrell has been a disappointment since being selected fourth overall by the Raiders, but he still has potential. A change of scenery may be needed. The Raiders are not going to get a huge return for Ferrell, but it would be best for the team to move him. This has potential to be a high-upside move for the Colts. They would hope to coach Ferrell up to reach his potential, while he helps a defense that is in need of a boost from their pass rush.
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