Colts: 3 players who could be part of blockbuster deals
By Jerry Trotta
1. Bobby Okereke
Fans would undoubtedly hate to see the Colts’ elite linebacking corps get decimated this offseason, but they have to accept that as a potential reality given that the team is in the market for a franchise quarterback.
While Leonard is obviously untouchable, somebody like Bobby Okereke could be viewed as expendable, especially if a potential trade partner is in need of linebacker help. The 2019 second-round pick continued to flash his potential in Year 2, logging 72 tackles, six passes defended, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one sack across 14 games.
Trading Okereke would likely give the Colts more incentive to re-sign Anthony Walker, who’s recorded 324 tackles (18 for loss), 11 passes defended, six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions over the last three seasons, in free agency. Either way, Indianapolis cannot afford to lose both players in one offseason, so they’d have to find a starting-caliber replacement.
It remains to be seen if experienced duo EJ Speed or Zaire Franklin, who combined to play just nine percent (!) of the defensive snaps this past campaign and are clearly viewed more as special teams savants than anything else, are ready to assume that role, but that’s a question for Ballard and the rest of the front office to tackle. The bottom line is that Okereke is somebody we can definitely see featuring in a blockbuster deal for a quarterback, as he fits the age and talent profile that would appease a rebuilding organization.
