The Colts look like a team headed toward the trade deadline with one eye on the standings and the other on the future, but they may not tip their hand right away.
At 2-4, Indianapolis is in a shaky spot, and the idea of a fire sale is already in the air. Still, according to ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, people around the league believe the Colts could hold off for another week or two before deciding whether to move players before the deadline.
“Many in league getting impression Colts will wait 1-2 weeks before determining trade course,” Fowler reports. “Rallying off a few wins could change perspective. But... they need picks, too.”
That last part matters. After general manager Chris Ballard’s move for Sauce Gardner at last year’s trade deadline, the Colts do not have a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. That gives Indianapolis a strong incentive to stock up on Day 2 and Day 3 selections if the season starts slipping away.
And if the team does pivot into seller mode, the list of possible trade candidates could be broad. Jonathan Taylor, DeForest Buckner, and Quenton Nelson are among the names that could be in play, with no one appearing completely untouchable.
But Fowler’s report suggests the Colts are not ready to make that call just yet. They want a little more time to see whether this season can be salvaged.
That’s not an impossible ask. The AFC South is still very much open, with the Jacksonville Jaguars sitting at 4-2 and several other teams in the Wild Card picture carrying just four wins. A couple of victories could change the math quickly.
If Indianapolis wins in Week 7 and then stacks another one or two in Weeks 8 and 9, staying put at the deadline - or only dealing smaller pieces - could become the direction. On the other hand, if the Colts drop two of their next three, or even both of their next two games against the Minnesota Vikings and the Jaguars, the season could start to feel out of reach.
For now, a sale makes sense. It just may not happen immediately. The Colts appear likely to wait before making their next move, and a short run of wins could still alter the whole conversation.
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One name that naturally fits the conversation is Khalil Mack, the Chargers pass-rusher who could help steady the edge and give Jacksonville a proven answer in a spot of need. The catch is obvious: Mack is expected to draw plenty of interest, which means the Jaguars would need to move fast if they hope to get involved before the market tightens. [Read more 🡒]