3 unexpected trade deadline targets for the Colts

Here are three unexpected players who the Colts should target ahead of the 2020 trade deadline.

Fans in Indianapolis are itching for Colts GM Chris Ballard to pull off a blockbuster trade (or two) ahead of the fast approaching deadline, but given the lack of buzz and rumors surrounding the organization, we’re not setting our expectations too high for the annual event.

The Colts entered their bye at 4-2 and are now just 0.5 games behind Tennessee for the division lead after the Titans suffered their first lost of the season on Sunday. While it goes without saying that Indianapolis’ schedule through the first six weeks was favorable, head coach Frank Reich should be thrilled with where the team is considering how many key players have missed time so far.

However, that’s about to change once the calendar turns to November. The potential returns of linebacker Darius Leonard, wideout Michael Pittman Jr., tight end Mo Alie-Cox and pass rusher Kemoko Turay this week couldn’t come at a better time with the team geared up to face the Ravens, Packers and Titans (twice).

With that in mind, it would be understandable if Ballard elected to see how the Colts fare during their gauntlet of upcoming fixtures without making any trades. After all, that will only make his job easier as it pertains to determining the biggest holes on the roster for 2021 and beyond.

However, we can also picture a scenario in which the 51-year-old GM decides to plug a few holes before the Nov. 3 deadline. On the surface, the Colts need some help at wide receiver, with their offensive line depth, and providing Justin Houston with another rusher opposite him on defense.

Well, in the event that Ballard keeps his phone line open, let’s highlight some unexpected trade targets he should give a closer look.

3. Giants OT Matt Peart

Matt Peart could be a good developmental project for the Colts.

It really shouldn’t surprise anybody that Indianapolis’ worst performance of the season came in Week 5 against Cleveland’s formidable defensive front when stud left tackle Anthony Castonzo was sidelined with a rib injury. In many ways, his absence was a blessing in disguise for the Colts as it (hopefully) sent a message to the front office to focus on adding some OL insurance at the deadline or next offseason.

We’ve seen countless offensive lines decimated by injuries this season, and Indy needs to be prepared if that happens to them. In our eyes, a trade for Giants rookie tackle Matt Peart is a pretty solid idea. He was taken in the third round back in April but has seen the field for just 49 snaps (11%) this season despite vastly outperforming No. 4 overall pick Andrew Thomas, who’s legitimately been one of the worst offensive linemen in the entire NFL through six weeks.

Peart was nothing short of spectacular when he started in place of Thomas in Week 6 after the the former top pick was disciplined for violating team rules. However, Peart was inexplicably moved back to the bench on Thursday night against Philadelphia. With the Giants likely to keep deploying Thomas as the starter so that he eventually overcomes his alarming growing pains, Indy should absolutely inquire about Peart’s availability.

At 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds (and just 23 years old), he fits the profile of a player Ballard should be looking at. The Colts excel at developing raw physical specimens like Peart, and he could be a dependable option at LT for the rest of 2020 and beyond as Castonzo’s offseason extension is set to expire after next season.