Colts Fan Bag Friday: Week 8

The Indianapolis Colts sit at 3-4 as we approach Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season.  I posted asking for questions from Colts Nation, surrounding the team ahead of their Week 8 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. This week is a little different than previous as, on top of the game on Sunday, the […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Colts Fan bag

The Indianapolis Colts sit at 3-4 as we approach Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season. 

I posted asking for questions from Colts Nation, surrounding the team ahead of their Week 8 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. This week is a little different than previous as, on top of the game on Sunday, the NFL's trade deadline is less than a week away (October 31st). 

Q: Any word on Jelani Woods?

Colts head coach Shane Steichen shared the most recent update on Jelani Woods with the media this week. Per Steichen, Woods is nearing a return from injury. Once he does come off the IR, things will get interesting for the Colts, as they will have to make a decision at TE. Stay with the current solid play of a veteran like Mo Alie-Cox, which would risk rookie Will Mallory to waivers. Mallory is a player I've been told the team likes, so I honestly have no idea which way they will go. 

Q: When do you see (a) Pittman Jr. extension coming? 

I do not think we will see another in-season extension for the Colts this season after paying Jonathan Taylor. They have multiple notable players they will have to look at this offseason, and I expect WR Michael Pittman Jr. to be their highest priority to resign out of the talented group. While it's rare for the franchise to use the franchise tag, I could see them using it on him if the two sides can't agree to a long-term deal this offseason. Because you can't let a player or person like Pittman Jr. walk out of your locker room; in my opinion, he means too much on and off the field to this team. 

Q: Are we going to trade for a vet CB?

Proven veteran corners dont come cheap on the trade market. I dont expect to see any team pay the price it would take to get a player like Patrick Surtain, for example. But I think it could make sense for the Colts to call the Buffalo Bills and ask about their 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam, who has been a healthy scratch five times this year, including their Week 8 game on Thursday Night Football. Elam could be a low-risk, high-reward move the Colts could look at, who, at worst, is just a depth corner addition at a very thin spot on the current roster, especially if rookie Juju Brents is going to miss extended time. 

Q: Is there a chance that Blackmon could be traded? 

If the Colts were going to be sellers, I think it would make sense. Blackmon is playing on the last year of his rookie contract and is playing some of the best football of his career as of late, which could make him enticing to a safety-needy team around the league. From everything I've been told by people close to the team, I do not expect them to be sellers at this year's deadline. Some may not like it,  but their eyes are set on a playoff spot. 

Q: Who is the one person you'd love to have the Colts trade for, before the deadline If you had the chance?

Derek didn't specify whether or not my answer needed to be a "realistic" trade option. But I decided to add that qualification myself. So if I could choose one realtic trade option for the Colts to trade for, it would be for Washington Commanders edge rusher Chase Young. Bleacher Report NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently reported that the Commanders would likely need a "two or a three" to trade one of  Young or Montez Sweat. 

The Commanders declined Young's fifth-year option, and his upside as a pass rusher is evident, though he may be the odd man out on a stacked Commanders defensive line. If the Colts could get the former number two overall pick for a day two pick, I think it would be a huge move. It would give the team four trustworthy edge options to rotate between, with Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Samson Ebukam already on the roster. I'd assume some sort of contract would have to be figured out for a team trading for Young with him set to hit free agency after this season. 

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