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

The Indianapolis Colts could be looking to move up in the 2023 NFL draft. Here are three players that could possibly be traded to the Chicago Bears.  

This offseason for the Indianapolis Colts is guaranteed to see a lot of moving parts from the front office down to the bottom of the roster. Some players have played their last downs in a Colts uniform, and some coaches have fulfilled their last game plans. As the search for a new head coach has already begun, the assessment of who the next QB will be still hasn’t been determined. Or has it? Bryce Young could possibly be the best quarterback in the draft, but his size could be a deterrent in his selection to Indy. Will Levis and CJ Stroud have been noted as the other top candidates for the Colts to draft.

General manager Chris Ballard is not holding back this year, claiming he’s ready to do whatever it takes to get a franchise quarterback. Trading up to the No. 1 spot with the Chicago Bears and former defensive coordinator of the Colts now Bears Head coach, Matt Eberflus is certainly in question as an option. The Colts currently have the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Following that, no. 35 in the second round and No. 79 (from Washington) in the third round. Picks in rounds 4-7 will surface once comp picks are determined, but Indy is slated for at least seven picks currently. All of those picks could possibly be used in packages to get the No. 1 pick from Chicago.

Determining what else or who to include in a trade package is the next step in the process to get things cooking. Pick compensation is one thing, but defensive players that excelled in an Eberflus scheme should be on the table more so than multiple picks or future picks. Analyzing the positions of need for the Chicago Bears is going to be key to which players get offered. Wide receivers, linebackers, defensive linemen, and cornerbacks. The Colts have some guys that can absolutely fill in at each position.

The following players are best fit to be included in a trade to move up in the 2023 Draft with the Bears, based on cap space, talent, and necessity on the current roster.

3. Colts could trade Ryan Kelly to Bears for No. 1 pick

Of all the players the Colts have to offer, Ryan Kelly makes the most sense, to me at least. The Bears’ offensive line situation is in shambles. Adding a three-time Pro Bowl center and 2016 first-round draft pick would be ideal in Chicago’s efforts to build around their potential franchise quarterback, Justin Fields. The Bears gave up 58 sacks in 2022 and they must do a better job of protecting Fields.

This move also allows the Colts to clear some cap in preparation for future extensions down the road. Moving Kelly would initiate a dead cap hit of $4.5 million, but would clear around $8 million according to Spotrac. With extensions for players like Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. looming, Indianapolis must create the necessary cap space however it can without sacrificing too much of its team.

Replacing a three-time Pro Bowl center is no easy feat, but whatever it takes is whatever it takes. Perhaps a Danny Pinter move to the full-time center job is possible, or a move like this opens the door for a free agent signing. Either way, Indianapolis must consider moving Kelly if it means getting the No. 1 pick.

2. Colts could trade Kenny Moore to Bears for No. 1 pick

There’s no question about it, Kenny Moore deserves a contract extension as one of the premier nickel backs in the league. Last offseason we witnessed a minor OTA hold-in, as he made his demands known. While that got put to the side, it’s a returning factor entering this offseason. Moore wants an extension as he enters the final year of his contract and it’s unclear if Indy will give it to him.

Just recently, in his postseason interview, Moore was obviously disappointed and distraught about the previous two seasons for the Colts. He also openly questioned his future with Indianapolis, admitting that the No. 1 thing on his mind this offseason is if he will play another game in Indy’s uniform. Although Moore has one season remaining on his contract, he understands the business and knows that it’s likely he will be moved.

In that same interview, Moore gave high praise to Bears’ head coach Matt Eberflus, stating he’s a guy you want to go out and play your all for. Moore also talked about how much success he had playing under Eberflus and how he clicked so well with Indy’s former defensive staff, who are now all in Chicago. Could that be some hidden insight that we’ve seen the last of him in Indy and that he wants to go to Chicago if he is moved? I believe so.

Rather than extend Moore, including him in a trade package could be ideal for Indianapolis. Although cornerback is a need for the Colts there are still other viable options to replace him on the roster including the draft.2023 is the final year of Moore’s contract, and he’ll carry a cap hit of 7.3 million, with no penalty involved if moved.

The young Bears team could definitely use his skill set defensively as well as his leadership, and Indy could use the No. 1 pick. It’s a trade that makes sense for all parties.

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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