Colts: 3 targets Indy can pursue to entice Matthew Stafford

There’s no way around it, folks: the Indianapolis Colts appear poised to make a blockbuster trade for a quarterback this offseason.

For a multi-week stretch between their playoff elimination and Philip Rivers’ retirement, it looked as though Deshaun Watson was going to be the only compelling option available. As spectacular as trading for him would be, it was always going to be an uphill climb for the front office given the competing market and sheer haul Houston would demand in return for his services.

Who could the Colts target in the offseason to further entice Matthew Stafford?

Then, however, Matthew Stafford stepped in and informed Detroit that he wants to be traded, presumably to a contender, after a long-suffering tenure with the organization. The subsequent buzz has indicated that the Colts and Stafford have mutual interest in each other, and it’s easy to see why that would be the case.

Based on what we’re reading, it’s not outlandish to tab Indy as the current favorites to win the Stafford sweepstakes. However, since nothing is ever black and white when it comes to trading for top-tier talent, they should really push the envelope this offseason in terms of becoming the most appealing destination possible. With that in mind, here are a few free agent targets that would do just that.

3. Trent Williams

Trent Williams would be an awesome stopgap option at left tackle for the Colts.

The Colts’ extended run of bad luck in terms of player and coaching staff personnel departures started a few weeks ago when left tackle Anthony Castonzo shockingly announced his retirement.  At just 32 years old and still in the prime of his career despite battling injuries in two of the last three seasons, the decision was widely viewed as a surprise throughout the NFL.

All too familiar with playing behind shambolic offensive lines, it would no doubt resonate with Stafford if the Colts brought in somebody who can be relied upon to protect his blindside. After all, he’s fresh off laboring through thumb and rib injuries to close the year despite Detroit having nothing to play for.

What better way to debunk any potential trepidation on his end than to sign Trent Williams, arguably the best left tackle of his generation? There was speculation that he couldn’t perform at an elite level anymore prior to being traded to San Francisco in the offseason, but he silenced his doubters by posting his best blocking grade (91.9), according to Pro Football Focus, since 2016.

Williams obviously wouldn’t be the long-term answer at left tackle, but good luck finding a better stopgap option on the open market this offseason. The eight-time Pro Bowler would likely want nothing more than a one-year (maybe two-year) contract, and such a deal would afford the Colts the flexibility of including the No. 21 overall pick in a potential deal for Stafford since they, in theory, wouldn’t have to spend that pick on a top tackle prospect. Seriously, who says no?

2. Kenny Golladay

Lions WR Kenny Golladay is without a contract entering the offseason. Colts, you up?

What better way to further entice Stafford than to sign a receiver with whom he enjoyed tremendous success? Lions wideout Kenny Golladay is set to hit free agency after failing to agree to terms on an extension during what proved to be a lost contract year due to a hip injury.

As we’ve seen before, injuries can downgrade a free agent’s market value and the same could happen with Golladay this offseason, who was limited to just five games in 2021. That isn’t to say Indy isn’t flush with cap space, but whenever you get the chance to sign a premier talent that fills a position of need at a discount, you simply have to do it.

While that is definitely something to consider in a potential pursuit of Golladay, the chemistry he and Stafford flaunt is arguably more important. From 2018-2019, they formed one of the best quarterback-receiver partnerships in the league, connecting 135 times for 2,253 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Speaking of the latter stat, Golladay led the league with 11 receiving touchdowns last year. We all know how many times the Colts’ offense stalled out in the red zone in 2020, and the former third-round pick would go a long way in curing those woes, especially if he’s reunited with Stafford.

Golladay might not be the most sought-after wideout on the open market this offseason, but fans would be hard-pressed to name a player the team can bring in to jack up Stafford’s trade interest more than him.

1. Allen Robinson

Bears WR Allen Robinson appears to have no interest in re-signing with Chicago. Colts, again, y’all listening?

It’ll be interesting to see how the Colts address their wide receiver situation this offseason. We would personally be perfectly fine with letting TY Hilton walk as a free agent. The 31-year-old veteran really came on in a big way down the stretch of the regular season, but we simply can’t ignore his disappearing act for the first dozen games, which proved to us that he’s past his prime.

The move here has to be to part ways with Hilton and aggressively pursue one of the top wideouts on the free agent market. In our eyes, signing Allen Robinson should be a top priority after he posted his second consecutive Pro Bowl-caliber campaign while working with one of the worst quarterback situations in the league.

During that stretch, Robinson registered 200 receptions for 2,397 yards and 13 touchdowns. To further highlight his dominance, no receiver has hauled in more than 97 contested catches over the last three years. The former second-round pick has 117 (!) such receptions during that span, which just proves how much he’s been hindered by his quarterbacks.

If you ask us, a trio of Robinson, Michael Pittman Jr. and a hopefully healthy Parris Campbell would qualify as one of the best receiving corps in the league. Given that they played in the same division for the last three seasons, Stafford is plenty familiar with what Robinson brings to the table and teaming up with him in pursuit of a championship is definitely something that should intrigue him.

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