3 unexpected trade deadline targets for the Colts
By Jerry Trotta
1. Texans DE JJ Watt
JJ Watt to the Colts? Unlikely. But we can dream.
Bet you weren’t expecting this! Listen, we know a trade for JJ Watt is extremely unlikely, but hear us out for a second. Now that the Texans have finally freed themselves from Bill O’Brien’s ineptitude, they should undoubtedly ponder entering a full-blown rebuild, constructing the roster entirely around superstar QB Deshaun Watson and stud LT Laremy Tunsil.
Fire-selling ahead of the deadline is the quickest way to expedite that project, and Watt simply fits the profile of a player who should be unloaded. Even the most delusional of Houston-based fans would admit that the five-time All-Pro, who turns 32 in March, does NOT fit into their future plans.
Cashing in on him now before his contract expires after the 2021 season would simply be smart business for the Texans. The Colts desperately need another defender who can get after opposing quarterbacks and Watt, who has 99 sacks across his illustrious career, would make an instant impact.
Any trade for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year would cost Indy a haul of draft capital but a master negotiator like Ballard could easily exploit Houston’s desperation and get away with a reasonable deal. Trading for Watt would transform the Colts already-elite defensive into a championship-caliber group. It would also fill the their second-greatest need and would thereby allow the front office to spend all of its energy finding the long-term answer at QB next offseason.
