With the NFL trade deadline near, here are eight potential trade targets for the Indianapolis Colts.
If the Indianapolis Colts are going to make a trade prior to Tuesday’s deadline, which players could be on GM Chris Ballard’s radar?
We recently highlighted four position groups that the Colts could look to add to, but realistically, there are two in particular that should be considered a priority — cornerback and defensive end.
If the Colts are looking to make a deal at the deadline, here is a look at what assets Indianapolis has available to help facilitate a trade.
The NFL trade deadline is November 4th at 4:00 PM ET.
When it comes to who might be available, ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler recently ranked the top 25 potential trade candidates. Here is a look at which cornerbacks and pass rushers made this list.
Woolen brings an impressive combination of size and speed to the cornerback position, and with that, there has been very strong ball production. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes that “multiple league execs have Woolen earmarked as a strong trade candidate leading into the deadline.”
CB Alontae Taylor, Saints
The Saints dealing Taylor would be a “surprise,” as Fowler put it, but it’s worth watching. Bowen notes Taylor’s versatility, which is an important element to playing in Lou Anarumo’s secondary.
CB Cam Taylor-Britt, Bengals
Taylor-Britt is only 26 years old and has experience operating in Anarumo’s defensive scheme. In three-plus seasons, he has eight interceptions and 22 pass breakups, according to PFF. Bowen writes that his skill set allows him to operate in both man and zone coverages, but zone may be the best fit for him.
CB Deonte Banks, Giants
Banks has just one start this season. Most of his career snaps have come lined up outside. For his career, Banks has allowed a completion rate of 63.5% and is giving up 13.2 yards per catch with two interceptions and 15 pass breakups. Banks has been penalized 18 times as well.
DE Trey Hendrickson, Bengals
Hendrickson has been one of the top pass rushers in football for several seasons, and this includes leading the NFL in sacks in 2024. He’s also very familiar with Anarumo’s defense. However, a recent report from The Athletic said that the Bengals are still looking to receive a first-round pick in return for Hendrickson.
DE Jermaine Johnson, Jets
Fowler writes that the Jets “are not desperate to trade Johnson.” He would miss most of the 2024 season with an Achilles injury, but had a career year in 2023 with 56 pressures and 7.5 sacks.
DE Arden Key, Titans
Fowler wrote: “If pass-rush-hunting teams strike out on big names, Key is a serviceable alternative.” Key has nine pressures and two pressures this season. Bowen says that Key could be viewed as a “situational pass rusher.”
DE Arnold Ebiketie, Falcons
A second-round draft pick in 2022, Ebiketie is in the final year of his deal. Bowen writes that Ebiketie could be used as a nickel rusher. He’s had good sack production, totaling 12 between the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
