Colts trade for a former starter to add depth at a position hit hard by injuries in training camp ahead of 53-man roster cuts
Colts land a former third round pick to add depth in their CB room ahead of cut down day
The Indianapolis Colts have started reducing their roster to 53 players ahead of the NFL cutdown deadline on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 4 p.m. EST. They decided to add a member to the team ahead of tomorrow’s deadline by trading for former Minnesota Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon.
Colts trade for Vikings’ 2023 third-round pick, Mekhi Blackmon
The Vikings selected Blackmon in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He shined as a rookie in Minnesota, appearing in 15 games and recording an interception and eight pass deflections. Many had high expectations for him to take a big step in his sophomore season, but sadly, a torn ACL forced him to miss the entire year. Training camp reports out of Minnesota indicated Blackmon experienced ups and downs during practice. He would have days where he made a ton of plays, and he would have days where he struggled mightily.
Seems safe to assume Blackmon will need some time to get back to full health, but luckily, he won’t be asked to contribute right away. Blackmon likely fills the CB6 spot on the Colts’ depth chart that UDFA Jonathan Edwards, Samuel Womack, and Chris Lammons were fighting for throughout camp. The Colts are betting on Blackmon to return to the player he was in 2023, and if they are right, the 2026 sixth-round pick they are sending to the Vikings will not be missed.
Get to know Mekhi Blackmon from a Vikings beat writer
“Mekhi Blackmon is an interesting player. The Vikings selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he had a good rookie season. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL on the first day of training camp in 2024. Once he returned, he felt like a different player across the board, and a lot of that felt like confidence. He seemed to struggle with that. As things sit, Blackmon has talent at the position, and the ability to kick inside in nickel situations.” – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Vikings Beat writer
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