Colts: 3 players that must be moved off roster by trade deadline

2. RB Marlon Mack

This one is almost a virtual certainty. Mack’s injury last year paved the way for Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines to assert themselves in the Colts backfield, and they did just that in resounding fashion. Mack is now the third option in the backfield, and that could prompt a trade.

Teams like the 49ers and Ravens have reportedly been in on Mack, who has topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage twice in his career. He clearly has the ability to be a quality NFL player, but he’s blocked in the Colts’ backfield and is recovering from his Achilles tear.

The Colts need to trade Marlon Mack.

The Colts have Taylor as the main back with Hines as the pass-catcher, change-of-pace option, and if they want to lean on a third back without Mack, they have Jordan Wilkins for that. Both player and team alike need a fresh start, and that could come at the trade deadline.

Mack had his moments with the Colts, but he isn’t moving the needle on offense, and both parties need to move on in order to get the most out of their respective relationships. The former USF star has enough speed and shiftiness to be a real threat, and that could help Ballard recoup assets.