Two hypothetical trades allow the Colts to move on from Jelani Woods and gain needed depth at a position hampered by injuries
Has the time come for the Colts to move on from TE Jelani Woods?
Fans were ecstatic when the Indianapolis Colts used a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on tight end Jelani Woods. The fan base was begging for the team to find a true difference maker at TE, and Woods set the NFL scene on fire after he had one of the best scouting combine performances by a TE ever. His rookie season had its fair share of ups and downs, but he certainly flashed the ability to make an impact in the passing game.
He finished the year with 25 receptions, 312 yards, and three touchdowns. His biggest highlight of the year came when he scored twice against the Kansas City Chiefs to help the Colts upset Patrick Mahomes and company.
Entering year two, expectations were high for Woods, who many were predicting to take a big step forward during his sophomore season. Sadly, we never got to find out, as injuries have forced him to miss the last two seasons. He now finds himself on the roster bubble, and after the first few weeks of training camp, I would be pretty shocked to see Woods be one of the three or four TEs to make the roster. His size and athletic profile, though, would make him a potential trade piece near cutdown, especially if the Colts could flip him to improve their injury-riddled cornerback room. Two of my colleagues at A to Z Sports pitched me trade offers for Woods, and after hearing them out, I chose the one that I think makes the most sense for the Colts.
The Dolphins send a CB selected in the 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft
Colts send: Jelani Woods, TE
Dolphins send: Cam Smith, CB
“The Dolphins simply haven’t seen enough progress from Smith despite the vacancies that existed this offseason in the cornerback room. Smith, a 2022 second-round draft choice, spent his rookie season in Vic Fangio’s proverbial doghouse and spent 2024 with two separate injured reserve stints. It’s progressing toward a situation where both sides would benefit from a fresh start. Smith has two years of player control and $3.09 million in cash due between 2025 and 2026.
Miami’s interest in Woods comes down to the ongoing search for the right ‘Y’ tight end. Miami brought in Pharaoh Brown this offseason to compete with third-year veteran Julian Hill, but Brown has yet to seize any firm control of the role and played into the fourth quarter of Miami’s preseason opener against the Bears on Sunday.” – Kyle Crabbs
The Saints send a tall CB fighting for a roster spot
Colts send: Jelani Woods, TE
Saints send: Rejzohn Wright, CB
“Making a move to acquire more depth/upside at tight end could be on the Saints’ radar as the regular season marches closer. There’s a good chance that Foster Moreau won’t be ready for the start of the regular season, and Taysom Hill will be sidelined due to his torn ACL from last season as well. Jack Stoll is a fine backup option for Juwan Johnson and balances the skill set of the duo, since Stoll is more known for his blocking abilities. Past him, New Orleans’ experience and potential are quite limited at TE.
Adding an athlete like Woods could actually make a difference for Kellen Moore’s offensive depth this season. As for Rejzohn Wright, who is going to Indy in this mock deal, he’s on the roster bubble. With some other options standing out at training camp and in the preseason so far, it is certainly unknown if he will grab a roster spot. Think this deal makes sense for both teams involved.” – Adam Holt
The offer that makes the most sense for the Colts
The Colts accept the Dolphins’ offer of CB Cam Smith in exchange for Jelani Woods
I must admit that both of these offers intrigued me because I was a big fan of both players offered during their respective draft cycles. I lean towards the Dolphins’ offer of Smith, though, because he appears to be finally healthy and is ready to compete for a roster spot, and a change of scenery would probably do him some good.
His frame and speed would fit Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s typical preference when it comes to CBs. The Colts’ current injury situation presents a great opportunity for Smith to attempt to revive his career. Four of the Colts’ top five CBs are injured, and they’ve had to resort to multiple UDFAs taking reps with the starters in training camp as of late. This feels like a low-risk, high-reward trade for the Colts and Dolphins. It would provide Smith and Woods with a better fit for their respective careers going forward. It seems like an actual win-win move for both teams.
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