The Indianapolis Colts are 2-4 after an embarrassing home loss to the Tennessee Titans. The only silver lining is that this could be a catalyst for change, as it finally ended Chris Ballard's tenure as general manager.
Nine times out of ten, a team in the Colts' position usually goes through a fire sale. That said, owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has already greenlit aggressive moves, and she clearly wants the team to compete at a higher level.
So, what if instead of moving on from their stars, the Colts double down on this core by adding some reinforcements? They have $20.2 million in available cap space, the eighth-most in the league, and they could still make some short-term, budget-friendly moves to save the season.
3 budget-friendly trade targets who could still save the Indianapolis Colts' season
Tuli Tuipulotu
The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-6, and while Tuli Tuipulotu should still be a part of their plans for the future, he's in the final year of his rookie deal, and with no fifth-year option, the struggling Chargers would have to franchise-tag him unless he agrees to an extension.
Tuipulotu might not want to be a part of what seems to be a rebuild in Los Angeles. He's due roughly $3 million for the remainder of the season, and the Colts can probably have him for a fourth-round pick. He just had 13.0 sacks last season.
Jauan Jennings
Jauan Jennings had a solid couple of years with the San Francisco 49ers, but he's fallen behind in the pecking order in the Minnesota Vikings' stacked wide receiver room. He's on a one-year deal and has a $1.6 million base salary, and he can probably be had for a seventh-round selection.
While not the most explosive guy, Jennings is a big-bodied chain-mover. Josh Downs hasn't stepped up as the team's possession receiver, and the Keenan Allen experiment has been underwhelming. Jennings had 15 touchdown catches in the past two years.
A.J. Epenesa
With Arden Key out, Laiatu Latu not showing much progress, and Jaylahn Tuimoloau looking like a bust, making a run at a proven veteran like A.J. Epenesa makes perfect sense, especially with a base salary of just $1.2 million and the Philadelphia Eagles likely punting on the season.
Epenesa is a plug-and-play guy who doesn't even need to be a starter to make an impact. He's barely played for Vic Fangio's defense this season, and the Colts can probably have him for a seventh-round selection.
Granted, it's hard to believe this team will want to give up draft assets when they don't even have a new general manager. Usually, it's the other way around, and they should be looking to add a first-rounder to their eight draft picks in 2027. But if they refuse to go down without a fight, these budget-friendly moves can point them in the right direction.
Add us as a preferred source on Google