The Indianapolis Colts made a splash at the NFL trade deadline like we have never seen. It’s arguably the most significant and most impactful trade in the history of the franchise. Colts general manager Chris Ballard has sent first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, along with second-year wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, to the New York Jets for former All-Pro Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.
While the trade of this magnitude was unexpected, it was necessary. You can argue that the franchise needed some depth at edge rusher. You would be correct. You would also be accurate to state that this hand ties the Colts to obtain another pass rusher for next season. Right now, none of that matters, as this was a “win now” move to upgrade this defense.
For once, Chris Ballard made a move that was needed and did not sit on his hands and watch the players go to other teams. He understood that he needed to make a statement that showed his players that he believed in them and their potential.
Obtaining Gardner does just that, but as we know, that means some players will be left out next season. One player it might affect is playing in the final year of his current contract, and Indy might not be able to afford to bring him back. Literally.
The Indianapolis Colts will have to say goodbye to a veteran offensive lineman
The player is veteran offensive lineman Braden Smith. He has spent his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Smith agreed to a re-worked contract this past offseason. He battled some personal and mental health issues last season, which affected his availability.
He is playing well this season as the right-side anchor to the offensive line. It appears unlikely that he would return on a smaller contract for the second straight season. The Colts have moved his future replacement, Matt Goncalves, inside to right guard, and that appears to be permanent. The Colts drafted rookie Jalen Travis as the replacement for Braden Smith.
Jalen Travis has seen time this season as a situational chip blocker or when an extra lineman is subbed in. The possibility remains for Smith to return on a reduced salary, but it seems unlikely.
Smith could command the top offensive guard salary range yet again, but likely on a shorter deal. Travis will likely take over as a starter, and they would likely draft some depth or hope that injured Blake Freeland can return to form next season.