A trade rumor running wild around the NFL is fantastic news for the Colts, but not in the way you might think
The time couldn’t be better for the Colts to pull off a game-changing trade, thanks to a new NFL rumor.
It’s no secret that the Indianapolis Colts are desperate to add a difference-maker to their edge room as they look to upgrade their pass rush this offseason.
They tried to sign Trey Hendrickson, and they’ve been linked to a couple of edge rushers that seem to be possible trade targets around the league. And without a first-round pick and the free agency edge market pretty dried up, pulling off a trade feels like their best path forward at the position.
The Cleveland Browns made quite a stir around the league on Wednesday when the team’s modification to superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett’s contract was made public. This has led many to believe a trade for the pass rusher just might come together this offseason. The Colts won’t be able to trade for Garrett, sadly, but other edge-needy teams moving their focus to that pursuit is good for Indy.
Teams focusing on trading for Myles Garrett provides a big opportunity for the Colts
“Garrett’s contract previously called for his option bonuses in 2026, 2027, and 2028 to be exercised by the 15th day of the league year. (March 25th is the 15th day of the 2026 league year.) In the amended terms, that date has been pushed back to seven days before the regular season each year. The payment of the option bonuses was also modified in a way that has benefit to Garrett.” – ESPN’s Field Yates
This move created cap space for the Browns, but more importantly, it made Garrett’s contract significantly more attractive to acquire via trade. It would take a massive trade package to pull it off, but I’d expect contenders with a need at edge would be motivated to land one of the best players in the NFL by any means necessary.
The Colts don’t own a first-round pick this year or next as a result of their trade for Sauce Gardner last season. So, although they have a massive need for a pass rusher, they won’t be involved for Garrett.
Not being able to trade for a player of that caliber is unfortunate, but other edge-needy teams focusing on trading for him could help the Colts tremendously. More teams with their attention locked on Garrett take their focus off potential Colts targets like Jonathan Greenard and Josh Sweat.
Both players would be major upgrades for the Colts pass rush, and would cost significantly less via trade than a player like Garrett, who is going to net a package that includes multiple first-rounders. Whereas the heavy lifter in a package for Greenard and Sweat is likely to be a third-rounder, maybe a second.
Timing is everything in the NFL, and the Colts would be wise to speed up their pursuit of players like Greenard and Sweat while other teams spend time trying to land Garrett. The Colts’ offseason has been pretty lackluster when it comes to adding outside talent. If they pull this off, though, that changes immediately, and the time to strike is now.