Could the Colts look to form a shocking reunion by bringing Vikings CB Isaiah Rodgers Sr. back to Indy ahead of the trade deadline
An intriguing trade candidate that could help the Colts now actually played for them in the past.
I know what many of you are already thinking, so let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. Yes, Isaiah Rodgers Sr.’s time with the Indianapolis Colts ended in an awful way.
After his suspension for breaking the NFL’s gambling rules, the team released its former draft pick. The team had to do this after it was clear that Rodgers’ violations included placing bets on the Colts.
He served his year-long punishment and is now back in the league. He won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season and signed a new contract with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason.
And if you ask me, he would be a great player for the Colts to target ahead of the trade deadline. So, I spoke with A to Z Sports’ Vikings beat writer, Tyler Forness, to get his thoughts on Rodgers and what it may cost the Colts if they went this route.
A look at Isaiah Rodgers Sr.’s first year with the Vikings
Rodgers is playing well on a team-friendly two-year deal, worth just over $11 million. He’s played well for the most part this season, but it hasn’t been the most consistent.
Rodgers did log the first-ever 99.9 Pro Football Focus grade, but also allowed Jalen Hurts to have a perfect passer rating when targeting him in the Week 7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s been up and down over his career, but there is a lot to like with his game this season.
Why would the Vikings consider trading Isaiah Rodgers
The Vikings sit at 3-4 with a tough schedule up ahead. In the back half of the season, the Vikings will focus on the future. Maximizing J.J. McCarthy’s evaluation is the priority, but they won’t ignore trying to win football games.
Trading Rodgers would be an admission of essentially giving up on the season, especially when you consider that they have virtually nothing at cornerback after Rodgers in the building.
Why a reunion with Isaiah Rodgers makes sense for the Colts
The Colts’ CB room has been hit hard by injuries. They are without their star outside CB Charvarius Ward, who was placed on the IR after suffering his second concussion of the season in Week 6. He joins rookie Justin Walley, who tore his ACL in training camp, and Jaylon Jones, who is returning from a hamstring injury on the IR.
The team needs a legit contributor at CB in the worst way. Rodgers’ speed and overall coverage ability would be an excellent fit for Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Despite the gambling suspension, many Colts fans still love Rodgers, a major fan favorite during his time with the franchise. He would start right away at CB and would slide into the second starting outside spot when Ward returns.
He could fill multiple roles for the Colts since he can play in the slot or outside at CB. He’s also an outstanding returner and has even blocked a field goal this season. All of that ability, paired with him being under contract for next season with a cap hit under $5 million, makes him a player the Colts should at least consider trading for.
How much would it cost for the Vikings to trade Isaiah Rodgers
What Rodgers is worth vs. what the Vikings would move him for are two separate conversations. He’s probably worth at most a fourth-round pick, likely a fifth-round pick, since he’s a quality starting cornerback on a very team-friendly contract.
However, the Vikings would probably need an overpay to move Rodgers, as they really like him.
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