The Indianapolis Colts aren’t done reshuffling their offense just yet.
There’s one more move to be made after the retirement of longtime standout Anthony Castonzo has the team looking for a replacement.
Fortunately, a prime opportunity may have presented itself in Raiders OT Trent Brown.
In terms of average value per year, the 380-pound goliath is the sixth-highest paid tackle in the NFL.
While he was named a Pro Bowler during his first season with the Raiders, staying on the field has proven to be a bit of a problem, as he’s played in only half of the potential games he could’ve suited up for.
With such a promising free agency class at the offensive tackle position, the Raiders are in the process of remaking their offensive line. They already decided to release guard Gabe Jackson, who started just under 100 games in the last seven seasons.
Now, Brown could be up next. NFL insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that Vegas has had exploratory talks about trading the former Pro Bowler. If he’s truly on the market, Chris Ballard would be doing the Colts a disservice if he didn’t check in.
The #Raiders have had talks about potentially dealing tackle Trent Brown, source said, and with few available tackles in free agency, Las Vegas has a shot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2021
Trent Brown would be a huge help for the Colts.
The Raiders could cut Brown and not owe a single cent of dead money this offseason if they don’t find a suitable trade package, but it’s hard to believe there won’t be a taker, especially with how important the left tackle position is.
While he isn’t as young as Baltimore Ravens right tackle Orlando Brown — another gargantuan human being who has been mentioned as a potential trade target for Indianapolis — he does have two years left on his contract and has proven his worth in the NFL for a longer period of time.
What makes Brown so valuable is the fact that he has experience at both tackle positions. Not only can he stick at left tackle and replace Castonzo, but he could flip over to the right side if the Colts decide to put Smith or All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson on the left side.
Both Browns are mammoth offensive tackles that are equally adept at flattening foes in the running game and clamping down on pass rushers. The Raiders tackle, however, is already signed to a long-term deal and could potentially be acquired for less. If he’s on the market, Indy needs to try to make a play for him.