Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Multiple names have already been shipped off and more could be coming. The Indianapolis Colts could be either a buyer or a seller at the deadline. With that being said, the FPC Colts staff takes a look at five players that the Colts could be buying or selling.
Peyton Smith – DeVante Parker
Colts Receive: WR DeVante Parker
Dolphins Receive: 2019 4th round pick, 2019 7th round pick
The Colts, who have spent much of the season devoid of a number two wide receiver to compliment T.Y. Hilton, could look to make a splash and give Parker a change of scenery. The Louisville standout has spent much of his career underwhelming, but the Colts may think a change of scenery could help him. He is big, at 6’3”. And fast, recording a 4.45 40 yard dash at the combine. Parker is coming off of his career game in Miami. He hauled in six passes for 134 yards and perhaps was auditioning for his would-be trade suitors.
Parker has spent his career playing with QBs such as Matt Moore, Brock Osweiler, Jay Cutler, and Ryan Tannehill, perhaps Andrew Luck could give DeVante Parker what he needs to become the 14th overall pick he was in. Since the Colts (3-5) are only two games back of the division rival Texans (5-3), perhaps Chris Ballard attempts to make a playoff push while also trying to stay young by adding Parker, who was a 2015 first round pick. And with the Colts having a week 9 bye, adding Parker now could make him an impact player in week 10 against Jalen Ramsey, Yannick Ngakoue, and the Jaguars defense.
Maxx Hotton – Mohamed Sanu
Colts Receive: WR Mohamed Sanu
Falcons Receive: 2019 5th round pick, 2020 7th round pick
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Zach Sears – Jacoby Brissett
Colts Receive: 2019 3rd round pick, 2020 5th round pick
Giants Receive: QB Jacoby Brissett
Philip Walker, UDFA quarterback who was with the team in the preseason was recently signed to the practice squad. Walker was exceptional in the preseason and could be moved up to the team this week. 2017 starter Jacoby Brissett showed the potential to be a starting franchise quarterback in the league which may spark interest from some teams before the trade deadline. Teams like the Giants, Bills, and 49ers are all teams that desperately need a quarterback if they want to win games now.
That being said, I see the potential of the Colts trading the Giants Brissett in exchange for their 2019 third round pick and a 2020 fifth round conditional pick. Brissett can draw a second round pick or even a very late first, but the Giants would not give that up as they need it for offensive line and defense when the draft comes around. A third-round pick this year and a fifth next year allows them to keep those top picks while acquiring a need.
On the Colts end, adding depth in the draft is perfect as the Colts have arguably the best 2018 draft class. Giving GM Chris Ballard more potential superstar picks is all he needs in exchange for a back up at this point. Also with the current Giants record, the third round pick would be an early third with second-round potential being the first choice of that round. Overall, the trade would benefit both teams and fit both of their needs or hopes for their future.
Mason Ford – Gareon Conley
Colts Receive: CB Gareon Conley
Raiders Receive: 2019 3rd round pick
Colts should trade for Raiders’ cornerback Gareon Conley before the trade deadline. Conley is 23 years old and this is only his second NFL season. Conley was selected with the 24th pick in the 2017 NFL draft but only played two games his rookie year. In the first seven games of this NFL season, he had seven passes defended and one interception that he returned 36 yards for a touchdown. Gareon Conley has tremendous potential and the Colts have a great need for cornerbacks.
Since the Colts have two second round picks in the upcoming draft, they should send a third-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for Gareon Conley. This would benefit both teams because the Raiders seem to be collecting draft picks by the dozen, and the Colts need a solid corner if they want to keep their season alive.
Ben Pfeifer – Deone Bucannon
Colts Receive: LB Deone Bucannon
Cardinals Receive: 2019 4th round pick
Deone Bucannon was a pioneer on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL. Drafted in 2014 in the back of the first round by the Cardinals, he came out as a tough-nosed, thumping safety. He was the first of the hybrid safety-linebacker type players which have become so prevalent in today’s NFL.
Unfortunately for Bucannon, he has fallen out of favor in Arizona. Bucannon has been excellent in the last three seasons, including his monster 2015 campaign where he racked up 109 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, three pass defenses, and an interception. However, he has fallen to the wayside in Steve Wilks’ new scheme. His minutes have dipped and he’s only started in two games so far this year.
Income the Indianapolis Colts, a team desperately in need of defensive talent. Playing his natural hybrid safety-weak side linebacker role in the Colts’ 4-3 defense could be greatly beneficial for him and the team. The Colts can afford to expend a fourth for a player with Bucannon’s upside and the Cardinals should be looking to accrue as many draft picks as they can.