The Indianapolis Colts made one of the boldest moves of the 2025 NFL season, trading away their next two first-round picks to land former All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner at the deadline. It was a win-now move that didn’t deliver immediate results-the Colts finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs-but Gardner is under contract for several more years, giving the team time to build around him.
Still, missing out on those first-round picks stings. If Indianapolis had held onto its 2026 first-rounder, it would be sitting at No. 16 overall-prime territory to grab an impact player, possibly even a quarterback in a thin class.
But the Colts aren’t boxed in. There’s still a path back into Round 1, and it might run straight through the reigning Super Bowl champions: the Seattle Seahawks.
The Colts Have a Clear Path Back into Round 1
Seattle, fresh off a championship run, holds the 32nd pick in the first round. But here's the twist: the Seahawks only have four total picks in the 2026 draft.
After their third-round selection, they don’t pick again until Round 6. That’s a steep drop-off for a front office that thrives on depth and development through the draft.
Enter Indianapolis.
The Colts could package their second-round pick-currently No. 48 overall-and a later selection, perhaps a fifth-rounder, to move up 16 spots. For Seattle, it’s a chance to add more draft capital. For Indy, it’s a chance to jump back into the first round and potentially grab a quarterback they believe in.
Why the Move Matters: The QB Situation in Indy Is Murky
Let’s be honest-the Colts’ quarterback room is far from settled. Anthony Richardson is heading into a pivotal season, and while his talent is undeniable, injuries have clouded his long-term outlook.
Then there’s Riley Leonard, who hasn’t exactly inspired confidence in the front office. If the Colts want to reset the quarterback timeline, this might be the moment.
The 2026 quarterback class isn’t deep, which only increases the urgency to strike early. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is likely out of reach, but Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss? That’s a name to watch.
Chambliss is a fascinating prospect-athletic, strong-armed, and a natural fit for Shane Steichen’s offense. He’s not the biggest quarterback at 6'0", 205 pounds, but his skill set lines up well with what Steichen wants: mobility, tempo, and the ability to make plays outside the pocket.
According to a recent mock draft, Chambliss is projected to go to the Jets with the first pick in the second round. If Colts GM Chris Ballard likes him-and there’s reason to think he might-then jumping one spot ahead of the Jets could be the difference between landing a potential franchise QB or missing out entirely.
The Daniel Jones Factor
One wild card in all of this? Daniel Jones.
The veteran quarterback’s future in Indy is still up in the air. If the Colts want him back, they’ll need to act before he hits free agency.
But given his injury history, even a return might not come with long-term security. That only adds more urgency to the idea of drafting a quarterback now-especially one who could sit behind Jones or Richardson for a year while developing.
Final Thoughts
The Sauce Gardner trade was a swing for the fences, and while it didn’t pay off right away, it doesn’t mean the Colts are out of options. If anything, it just ups the stakes for this offseason. With a creative front office, a head coach who knows how to develop quarterbacks, and a clear need under center, Indianapolis could be one smart trade away from reshaping its future.
And if that trade comes with the 32nd pick? Don’t be surprised if the Colts are on the clock come Day 1 of the draft after all.