The 2024 offseason is shaping up to be an exciting one for the NFL. With several talented prospects in the draft, some big-name free agents, and high-profile trade candidates, the league could look drastically different next season. One of the teams that will be a big factor in the offseason is the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts have several key veterans set to be free agents in March. Other teams will definitely be locked in on Indianapolis to see who Indy does and doesn’t re-sign. Additionally, the Colts are a promising team with a talented quarterback entering his second season. That means they need to aggressively build a contending roster.
Understanding that, Indianapolis has already been highlighted as a team that could make a big trade this offseason. Bleacher Report, in a recent piece, created an offseason trade guide for all 32 teams. For the Colts, BR named Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown as Indy’s top trade target. Bleacher Report even proposed a hypothetical trade where Indy sent the 15th-overall pick to Philadelphia for Brown.
Could Colts trade for AJ Brown?
With the way the season ended for the Eagles, there has been a lot of discussion about AJ Brown being traded. Brown is still an elite receiver but there’s a growing narrative that he’s unhappy in Philadelphia. In a recent appearance on the Up & Adams show, Brown admitted that he’s not sure where the speculation is coming from but he’s prepared for anything because the NFL is a business.
Eagles WR A.J. Brown addresses the recent trade rumors 👀
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 31, 2024
"I've been through this before, I'm a vet..."@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/36tYyLyHoz
If he is available, the Colts should acquire Brown. Brown turns 27 this offseason and he’s currently one of the best receivers in the NFL. He’s coming off back-to-back seasons with 1400+ yards in Philadelphia. Prior to that, Brown was in the AFC South with the Tennessee Titans, so the Colts are pretty familiar with his dominance.
As detailed by Bleacher Report, the best way to help a young quarterback like Anthony Richardson is to surround him with weapons. What better group of weapons than Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., AJ Brown, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and all of Indy’s tight ends? Additionally, Brown is familiar with Shane Steichen, playing under him in Philly in 2022, which was the best season of Brown’s career.
For Philadelphia, there’s absolutely no reason to trade AJ Brown. However, if there’s fire where there’s smoke, and the Eagles are actually listening to offers for Brown, the Colts need to be on the phone getting a deal done.