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3 Colts that could be included in a draft trade package with Bears for the No. 1 pick

By Brad Marr

Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53), defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) and middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) stand in between plays during the second quarter of the game on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.The Indianapolis Colts Versus Jacksonville Jaguars On Sunday Jan 9 2022 Tiaa Bank Field In Jacksonville Fla
Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53), defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) and middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) stand in between plays during the second quarter of the game on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.The Indianapolis Colts Versus Jacksonville Jaguars On Sunday Jan 9 2022 Tiaa Bank Field In Jacksonville Fla /
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Colts, DeForest Buckner
Nov 13, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) reacts after sacking Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Colts could trade DeForest Buckner to Bears for No. 1 pick

Still, at the top of his game, DeForest Buckner has been a staple of the Colts’ defense. In each of his three seasons in Indianapolis, Buck has accounted for at least seven sacks. Prior to the 2020 NFL draft, the Colts traded a first-round pick and in return received an All-Pro season from the defensive tackle. Now it’s possible that Indy could reverse that trade by sending Buckner away for a first-round pick.

If the Colts were to trade possibly the best player on the defense, to reunite with Matt Eberflus, they would still retain a dominant player in Grover Stewart in the middle of the defensive line, while also clearing $19 Million in cap space. Not to mention, Indianapolis has several other quality defensive pieces, though, losing Buckner would make an impact.

Something to watch would be the final determining price of what it would take to complete this trade. A player like Buckner would likely garner some more return in the negotiations that could add an extra late-round pick or a future pick for the Colts. Ideally, Indy would want to hold on to Buckner and get the No. 1 pick but Ballard said he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get a quarterback the team believes in. If sending Buckner to Chicago is what it takes, then Ballard will probably make the move.

This would allow Indy to have its pick of every quarterback available in this year’s draft and would also be the best-case scenario for the Bears. Chicago would get a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle in his prime and address one of the team’s biggest needs while still having a top-four pick. At No. 4, the Bears should still have the opportunity to select either Jalen Carter or Will Anderson, the players they would select at No. 1. However, if Chicago lands a defensive tackle in Buckner, it won’t have to be debate Carter or Anderson cause defensive tackle would already be addressed, so then the Bears could just select Will Anderson.

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