It took a humiliating loss to a formerly winless team, but the Indianapolis Colts have finally had it with Chris Ballard. The now-fired general manager never delivered, and while he held onto his position for much longer than his colleagues, it's the dawn of a new era in Indianapolis.
Unfortunately, that might also mean the end of the line for some veterans. Truth be told, this organization might be much closer to blowing things up than to making a move to go all-in and compete.
Given their current market value, the Colts will probably work the phones before the November 10 trade deadline. Considering that, let's take a look at the three best Colts player who may now be on the trade block.
3 Indianapolis Colts star who might be available for a trade
DeForest Buckner
DeForest Buckner suffered a career-threatening neck injury last season, but you wouldn't tell by the way he's playing. No one would know he's 32, either, as he's been the best player on Lou Anarumo's defense by a significant margin.
Through six games, the former San Francisco 49ers star has 26 total tackles (nine solo), four tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and four sacks. He's been a disruptive force in the interior and remains an elite pass rusher.
Given his age, the Colts might not get the type of value his elite play warrants. Even so, they can still get a Day 2 selection for someone who's aging like a fine wine.
Josh Downs
Josh Downs entered the season with a big chip on his shoulder after a somewhat disappointing campaign. Unfortunately for him, the context and the offense haven't helped him secure a big bag in his next contract.
Downs has just 24 receptions on 42 targets for 289 yards and no touchdowns. He's been a chain-mover, with 16 first-down grabs, but he has yet to break out, even with Alec Pierce out and Tyler Warren also missing a game.
It's not entirely on him, though, as Daniel Jones has been terrible. Even so, the Colts can probably get a fourth-rounder for their slot specialist.
Quenton Nelson
This one will hurt, for sure, but it also makes the most sense. Quenton Nelson is the best left guard in football, and it's not even close. Losing him would be a massive blow to the offensive line, but it might be a necessary evil.
Nelson will be a free agent at the end of the season, and contract talks have stalled. That can change under a new regime, but he might also question whether he'd want to be a part of a rebuild in his prime years.
More than that, trading Nelson might be the Colts' best hope of recouping a first-round draft pick. He deserves to play for a contender.
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