The Indianapolis Colts are easily one of the most exciting teams in the NFL right now, and it's in large part due to the offense, which has been on fire. Daniel Jones could easily be in the race for league MVP, if Jonathan Taylor doesn't take it instead. The Colts have the best record, at 6-1, in the league, but that doesn't mean the team doesn't have any room to improve.
One of the major problems the Colts have is on defense - specifically, in the secondary. The defensive line is playing well, but the secondary is struggling, partly due to injury and partly because, put simply, Lou Anarumo has not been the star defensive coordinator Colts fans were hoping he would be. Under Anarumo, the defense has been decent, but not great.
Making matters worse, the secondary has been demolished by injuries. Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones were both injured, and one linebacker, Jaylon Carlies, is also out, leaving a lot of pressure on Zaire Franklin. But with the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Colts have an opportunity to make their already-stellar team even better.
The right trade move could transform the Indianapolis Colts’ defense
General manager Chris Ballard has typically been reticent to pick up players through trades or free agency, but in the past offseason, he was significantly more aggressive. That could carry over into trades, too, as The Athletic's Diana Russini reported that the Colts are actively shopping for a cornerback.
And Indy has some decent options to play with; they currently have six selections in the 2026 NFL draft and roughly $4 million in available salary cap space. There are some good trade candidates still available, and several the Colts should consider signing.
Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are reportedly interested in letting Woolen go, and he would be a good cornerback to pursue for the Colts. His biggest issue is inconsistency, but when he is good, he's really good. He particularly excels at man coverage and has racked up 11 interceptions and 30 pass breakups through his career.
Woolen is 6-foot-4 and insanely fast, and could be a real asset to the secondary, particularly with star players like Ward currently sidelined. Even if he isn't an immediate starter, he would add much-needed depth to the cornerback unit.
Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
This could be a long shot, but if the Colts could pull it off, Baker would be a great addition to the defense. The Cardinals are not doing well, and Baker was just signed to a three-year extension in 2024 worth $56 million.
That may seem like it would make it harder for a trade to happen, but maybe not. Baker is an older player - he's going on his ninth season - and the Cardinals are looking to rebuild. That could work in Indy's favor, and there is a serious need for more depth at the position. Baker is an elite-level safety, and it would be foolish for Ballard not to even try to land him.
Logan Wilson, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
The Colts already have poached a lot of Cincinnati's defense, including their defensive coordinator in Anarumo, so what's one more? Indy needs more depth at linebacker, especially with Carlies out, and Wilson has already requested a trade. Ballard should jump on the opportunity.
Wilson is a good linebacker, but the Bengals have been sidelining him lately in favor of younger players. But that isn't because he hasn't played well lately; he led the team in total tackles in 2023 and has averaged seven tackles per game through his career.
Cincinnati's own Garrett Carter, who has been one of the linebackers replacing Wilson, also has nothing but high praise for Wilson, pointing out that he is still a great leader.
Any one of these players would help with the Colts' struggling defense, but if Ballard could manage to sign all three? There's a good chance the defense could match the explosiveness of the offense.