Despite being one of the best players for the Indianapolis Colts, an NFL expert has made a case that defensive tackle Grover Stewart could be traded.
There were very few bright sports for the Indianapolis Colts last season but Grover Stewart was one of them. Although the Colts had an embarrassing 4-12-1 season, Stewart had the best year of his career, and produced like one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL. Now, he’s preparing to be even better in his seventh season with Indianapolis.
However, there’s a thought that Stewart may not make it to this season with Indy. Now that the draft has concluded and teams are looking at their rosters and analyzing their future, there’s a chance that several players could be traded leading up to the 2023 NFL season. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports thinks Grover Stewart could be one of those players.
In a recent piece looking at post-draft trade candidates, Benjamin explains why the Colts may want to trade Stewart. Pointing out Indy’s new offensive head coach and rookie quarterback, Benjamin says, “Colts have reason to pivot…And dealing Stewart before his contract expires in 2024, entering his age-30 season, would also clear $9.6M.”
Should Colts trade Grover Stewart?
Stewart is entering the final year of his contract and is getting older. However, while there is a chance that Indianapolis could lose him next offseason in free agency, he absolutely should not be traded. Grover Stewart is a focal part of Indy’s defense, and as long as he’s playing like he is, he needs to be kept on the roster for as long as the team can keep him.
Even with a young quarterback and an offensive-minded head coach, Stewart still has tremendous value for the Colts. One of the best things a young quarterback, or any quarterback really, can have, is a quality defense. Stewart’s presence on the interior defensive line is a big reason why Indy’s defense is promising.
Indianapolis shouldn’t even entertain a possible trade for Stewart. The team should let Grover Stewart go out and have another dominant season, and then do everything possible to re-sign him and keep him with the Colts.