While all 32 NFL teams are on break until training camp in a few weeks, there have been a few recent moves that kept the league from going silent. The Miami Dolphins have been at the center of those moves, first trading Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Also included in that trade, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith was sent to Pittsburgh for a late-round pick. Miami then replaced Smith with Darren Waller, trading with the New York Giants for the tight end who’s now set to come out of retirement.
This recent tight end movement should make the Indianapolis Colts look at their own tight end room and make a move. Indy selected Tyler Warren in the first round of the 2025 Draft, and expectations are high for him. However, his arrival could encourage the the Colts to finally move on from another tight end they drafted, that hasn’t quite panned out.
Jelani Woods, who the team selected in the third round of the 2022 Draft, could see his time in Indianapolis end soon.
Colts should consider moving Jelani Woods after recent tight end movement
Woods was an exciting selection for Indy, with a lot of promise because of his 6-foo-7, 250-pound frame, and impressive athleticism. He also flashed that promise as a rookie, catching 25 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately for Woods and the Colts, he hasn’t played since.
In 2023, the tight end missed the entire season with a hamstring injury. In 2024, Woods missed his second straight season, with a toe injury this time. Now he’s set to enter the final season of his rookie deal, with just 15 games to his name. While injuries aren’t his fault, they could still be the reason the team moves on from him.
With Warren now in town, and Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree still around, the Colts could just cut Woods. They may give him one more chance in training camp, but he’ll have to stay healthy and deliver a strong performance to remain on the team.