Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts might have a new quarterback in 2021 after the Carson Wentz trade, but the left tackle hole still needs to be addressed, as the retirement of Anthony Castonzo left a huge vacancy in one of the top lines in the league.
While the Colts could go in any number of directions, including spending a ton of money in free agency and using a draft pick on a replacement, the trade market might be the best way for a loaded Colts team to pick up a tackle and contend for a title.
Be it veterans on an expiring contract or players in their prime that could look to cash in given the amount of cap space Indianapolis has, trading for a stud tackle could help the Colts nab one of the best players in the league at that position rather than waiting on a youngster picked high in the draft to develop.
If Ballard continues his aggressive trading to improve the roster, either one of these two tackles could end up wearing blue and white.
These two trades could get the Colts a new left tackle.
Trade No 1: The Colts get Alejandro Villanueva from the Steelers
Villanueva has started at left tackle for the last six seasons in Pittsburgh, making two Pro Bowls along the way. While the former Army Ranger hasn’t missed a start in a half-decade, he started to show some cracks near the end of last season. With Villanueva only having one more year left on his deal, look for the Steelers to potentially move off of him.
The Steelers currently own the No. 24 pick in the draft, which could allow them use that pick on a left tackle like Texas’ Samuel Cosmi, Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood, or Michigan’s Jalen Mayfield. Villanueva could be traded away for a few Day 3 draft picks, and the Colts could get themselves a starting left tackle.
Why would the Colts do this trade?
As good as Villanueva has been, the market for 32-year-old offensive tackles that are about to hit the free agent market isn’t as robust as it would be for a younger tackle in their prime. They might be able to pry Villanueva away for cheap if the Steelers have their heart set on taking a tackle in this draft.
The Colts are in win-now mode, and adding Villanueva would help their offense keep humming despite the loss of Castonzo. While Pittsburgh can get some new reinforcements alongside Chukwuma Okorafor on the other side, the Colts can make a savvy win-now move and get a much-respected left tackle.