Colts secondary gets massive upgrade in potential cornerback trade

The Colts are one trade away from becoming AFC favorites.
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

For several years, the defensive secondary in Indianapolis has been a turnstile for opposing pass catchers. Year in and year out, the Indianapolis Colts would get gashed through the air.

But with a loaded-up checkbook, Chris Ballard went shopping this offseason and made a concerted effort to remedy this perennial shortcoming on the roster. As a result, the Colts spent big money on two massive free agent signings — cornerback Charvarius Ward and do-it-all defensive back Camryn Bynum.

Not only that, but Indy also targeted Justin Walley in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Minnesota alum flew under the radar, and it looked like the Colts landed an instant-starting gem on Day 2 of the event.

One more Indianapolis Colts trade could change everything

Add all of that to All-Pro Kenny Moore and promising youngster Jaylon Jones, and it finally felt like the secondary could be a strength rather than a liability. Alas, some of the best laid plans never come to fruition. And that’s exactly what happened here.

Walley was dealt a season-ending injury in camp, while Jones has been wrestling with nagging ailments all year. Furthermore, Moore and Ward have each missed multiple games already this season. Even the team’s savvy trade for Mekhi Blackmon hasn’t been enough for the defense to overcome these losses.

The Colts expect Moore back in the near future, and Ward will return to the lineup soon following his fluky concussion. Blackmon makes for a strong trio when healthy, but let’s add some insurance in case Jones can’t get himself to 100 percent before the back half of the regular season.

New Orleans Saints CB Alontae Taylor

The New Orleans Saints are the only NFC team without multiple wins thus far, and the front office has already shown a willingness to make trades for the present and future. Enter Alontae Taylor. The former top 50 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft has had an up-and-down rookie contract, but he’s blossomed into a legit starter this season.

At 6-foot, 200 pounds, Taylor has the requisite size to be a boundary defender in Indianapolis. His physical play style, especially at the top of routes, is perfect for Lou Anarumo’s scheme. The 26-year-old is an impending free agent next offseason, which means the Saints will be open to trading him.

It also allows the Colts to get his talent for pennies on the dollar in a trade and doesn’t tie them to Taylor past 2025.

Seattle Seahawks CB Riq Woolen

Much of the blurb about Taylor also applies to Riq Woolen, but it’s not a one-for-one comparison. Woolen is even bigger and considerably faster than Taylor, as they both man the boundary cornerback position.

In his three-plus seasons with the Seahawks, Woolen has proven to be a ballhawk by consistently making plays in the secondary. He has 11 career interceptions already, including multiple pick-six touchdowns.

Woolen is not as physical as Anarumo would prefer for a starting corner, but with his mythical speed, nose for the ball, and exceptional recovery ability, it would be a massive upgrade over the likes of Johnathan Edwards.

And similar to Taylor, Woolen’s deal expires after the season, which means the Seahawks would likely be happy with a late-round pick swap. And the Colts, at this juncture, should be all over it.

Cincinnati Bengals CB Cam Taylor-Britt

Perhaps the easiest projection is the Cincinnati Bengals sending one of its premier defenders to Indianapolis to reunite with Lou Anarumo. No, it’s not the player you’re thinking of. Instead, it’s a guy weighing 60 pounds less and lining up in the secondary — not the trenches.

That player? Cam Taylor-Britt. He spent three seasons with Anarumo and the two had great success, even if the Cincinnati defense wasn’t a juggernaut in the AFC. In a Bengals secondary largely lacking playmakers, CTB was a difference maker.

Under Anarumo, Taylor-Britt notched seven interceptions, along with a slew of pass breakups. His physical nature allows him to jam receivers off the line of scrimmage and stay attached to them downfield. The feisty mentality he brings to the locker room would also mesh well with what Indy is building.

All signs point toward Taylor-Britt being the choice for Ballard and Co. It helps Colts fans that the 26-year-old was benched before the Bengals’ Week 7 matchup vs the Steelers, paving the way toward a potential “fresh start” elsewhere for all parties.

Indianapolis would be wise to ensure it is the landing spot for such a talented defensive back. Like Taylor and Woolen, it wouldn’t cost much in terms of draft pick compensation, as Taylor-Britt is also on the final year of his rookie deal.

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