This Colts-Rams trade for Marlon Mack could work for both teams
By Mike Luciano
While Frank Reich, Marlon Mack, and the Indianapolis Colts are hoping with all of their might that they aren’t bitten by the injury bug this season, the Los Angeles Rams found out that bad news can strike at any time, specifically regarding breakout running back Cam Akers.
Akers was projected to have a monster sophomore season given his status as the lead back in LA, but he has now been ruled out for the season with a torn Achilles that he suffered while training. The Colts have firsthand knowledge of how painful that can be after losing Mack early last season.
As unlikely as it sounds, the Colts and Rams might need to get on the horn and hammer out some trade proposals. LA is suddenly a bit thin on the depth chart, while the Colts have more running backs than they know what to do with.
If the Rams want to add a starter, they could look to acquire Mack, who himself is trying to rehabilitate his stock after an injury all but robbed him of his 2020 season. If the Rams part with another draft pick, they could solve their issues at running back.
#Rams RB Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles while training, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2021
Brutal blow for L.A., which loses its leading rusher from last season a week before camp begins.
This Colts-Rams trade could get Marlon Mack to LA.
The Rams might not want to replace a back who tore his Achilles this year with one who tore his Achilles LAST year, but Mack did record 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2018 and 2019. If the Rams get confirmation he is back to his old self physically, they could get Chris Ballard on the phone. GM Les Snead has proven he is willing to ditch draft picks in a hurry for veterans.
The Colts are committed to Jonathan Taylor, one of the best young offensive players at any position, as their running back. Behind him, they have Mack, a solid pass-catcher in Nyheim Hines, and a backup in Jordan Wilkins who’s proven he can churn out some tough yards when given the opportunity.
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1196135516485357568
With Hines too integral to what Reich wants to do on offense and Wilkins not in a position to give the Colts an adequate return in draft capital, the back that makes the most sense to trade is Mack. While Indy will have to settle for a fifth-round pick, it’s better than nothing for an injured back that likely isn’t in the long-term plans anyway.
Mack might have a solid career ahead of him, but all indications seem to hint at the fact that it won’t be with Indianapolis given the evolution of Taylor. The Rams would get bailed out by Indianapolis, who could end up with even more draft picks for Ballard to convert into stars.
