The Colts are about to begin the free agency season, and will likely see teams not only acquire talent in that pool, but also through trades. Teams rarely make trades in the NFL compared to the other three major sports. It is hard to match value in the NFL so most roster construction comes from free agency and the draft. The holes in the Colts roster are broad but manageable, and some can be fixed with some trades. Let’s look at some scenarios
Germaine Pratt/LB-Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals defensive captain has requested a trade this offseason. What propelled him to this request? The departure of Lou Anarumo to Indianapolis. He has a great relationship with him, and bringing him over to Indianapolis makes sense. His contract is very enticing as well, only contributing approximately $8 million to the cap this season and it’s the final year of his deal.
The Colts have depth needs at this position with EJ Speed and Grant Stuard headed to free agency. The Bengals need to cut some funds to retain some more imperative players, which is well known. So, trading Pratt would be in the best interest of this franchise. Would Bengals consider someone like Kwity Paye and some pick swaps to get the deal done? Or would they simply want a Day 3 pick to satisfy the trade?
Kelee Ringo/CB-Philadelphia Eagles
While it looks like the Colts will scour the free agent market for players like Jaire Alexander so they can get him at far cheaper price hopefully. If they wanted to make a trade, then they might look to Philadelphia for some help. It would not be an easy proposition but one worth asking.
With the starting positions solidified in Philadelphia, they might look to inquire about a name that Chris Ballard liked two years ago in the draft. Ringo seems to be buried in the depth chart and he saw a drop in snaps this season. Ringo is under contract through 2026 and still on his rookie contract. Would the Eagles budge on a bench player that could use a new start and new opportunity? Ballard could offer a late round pick swap to move Phildelphia towards a conversation?
Michael Mayer/TE-Las Vegas Raiders
A recent report seems to imply that the Raiders have put Micheal Mayer on the trade block. The Raiders drafted Brock Bowers in last year’s draft, and he has lived up to the expectations so far. He set a rookie record for receptions in a season with 112. With a quarterback change coming as well, he is expected to have a similar, if not, more productive season. This makes Mayer expendable for other teams.
The need for tight end on this team is already known, and it is not needed for me to continue to harp on it. Has Mayer underproduced? Maybe. Is the potential he can bring to this team worth the risk? Absolutely. Sometimes a strong prospect out of college just needs a change of scenery, and Mayer moving to Indianapolis might be just what both parties want.
Darnell Washington/TE-Pittsburgh Steelers
Let’s stick with tight ends, and go with Darnell Washington here. This is a long shot, and it's not clear if he is even available... but he has unicorn size (6’7 and 265), and was not utilized much in the offense this season in Pittsburgh. Starter Pat Friermuth was the main target in that offense.
Washington has been a bust so far in his career, but I think the Steelers have not used him to the best of his abilities. The size is his biggest asset, and we all know how much Chris Ballard loves to bring in tight ends with great size. Washington could really be used in the red zone and creating mismatches with this offense. The Colts red zone offense was one of the worst in the league last season, and bringing in Washington at a dirt-cheap price could be beneficial.