Post-Anthony Richardson decision NFL trade deadline possibilities

The seismic shift of this franchise’s decision to bench Anthony Richardson has the potential to make the Colts more of a buyer than a seller this deadline season. Putting in Joe Flacco has moved the Colts to a “win now” mentality and less of a developmental season. We all have no idea what is going on at the Colts complex right now, and if Ballard will even have a say for the trade deadline next week. How does that affect their belief at the trade deadline? It should say, let’s get some extra pieces and go for a playoff win, but I’ve been wrong before. Let’s sort it all out.

David Njoku/TE- Cleveland Browns

Browns Receive: TE Kylen Granson, 2025 5th Round Pick
Colts Receive: TE David Njoku

I am not the only one that has (or will) write about this. In fact, Indianapolis Star Colts Beat Writer mentioned it in a recent article last week. It came from a mailbag question that a fan asked. There was a great quote in the article that made me believe the would be a great fit in Indianapolis.

Nate Atkins mentioned, “The Browns do seem to be teetering to a reset, and Njoku is exactly what the Colts once dreamed Jelani Woods would morph into.”

I could not agree with this more, and love where this fan was coming from. If you look at what this offense is truly missing, it’s that game-changing receiver at tight end. He has the size that the front office cherishes, and he is coming off his best season to date. Bringing in Njoku would open the offense even more for the likes of Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs. The contract is large and would need to be re-worked, but it’s very doable.

The argument against Njoku for this franchise is if they are waiting for the draft, when a potential new GM is in place.

This works for Cleveland because if they are in rebuild mode, and dumping a massive incoming contract for an expiring contract would benefit them. They are on the hook for QB DeShaun Watsons contract, so grabbing Kylen Granson as a rental/tryout player would help them in the short term for the rebuild.

Khalil Herbert/RB- Chicago Bears

Bears Receive: Colts 2026 6th Round Pick
Colts Receive: Khalil Herbert

In my opinion, this trade is long overdue. I felt this was one the Colts may have looked at this past offseason, but decided to stay with the duo of Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson. While Goodson has begun to show promise, it has been Sermon that has been serviceable, while not really wowing this fan base or franchise.

Herbert has shown he is capable of handling either a starting workload or as a backup. Herbert was the Bears team leader in rushing yards in 2022, even with missing time for late season hip injury. With the Bears adding D’Andre Swift and drafting Roschon Johnson, he has become buried on the bench. In fact, Herbert was a healthy scratch in Week 8. This trade gives them some long-term draft capital, and gives the Colts some better insurance for Jonathan Taylor.

Emmanuel Forbes Jr./CB- Washington Commanders

Commanders Receive: 2025 5th Round Pick
Colts Receive: Emmanuel Forbes

This scenario lines up perfectly with the two beliefs of the current respective GMs. Washington is looking to bring some new talent into the building with a new regime. While Ballard gives up some draft capital, he gets something he might love just as equally. That would be to bring in past high draft picks that are not working out in their current situation. We saw it the past couple of years with Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis.

While the trio of Jaylon Jones, Sam Womack and Kenny Moore have been serviceable, the need for depth is still necessary. With the injury history of JuJu Brents, it leaves them with some concern. They struck out with Dallis Flowers, and they must get some insurance going forward now, and potentially in the future.