3 Players Colts Should Trade For Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline

Ahead of the trade deadline, the Indianapolis Colts should think about making moves for three young talents that could be factors for the team’s future.

The Indianapolis Colts sit at a mediocre 3-5 record so far this year. Now, after the 38-27 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints, it makes the third-straight loss for the Colts. With the NFL trade deadline approaching (October 31st), some players could make an impact on a young Colts team.

Here are three names that could fit the bill for Indianapolis.

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

CB Kaiir Elam - Buffalo Bills

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kaiir Elam was drafted out of Florida in 2022 in the first round (23rd overall) by the Buffalo Bills. However, he’s not panned out with Buffalo thus far and has been in several sports headlines as being a possible candidate to be traded.

The Colts need big-time help at CB. Elam could also use a fresh start with a team where he can have a chance to make an impact. Currently, in his short career, Elam has played 16 games (8 starts) and has tallied up 55 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 passes defended.

Could we see Indianapolis make this one happen? Given that he’s still yet to hit his potential and he’s only 22 years old, it’s a name to look out for and Elam should be on Indy’s radar. 

WR Terrace Marshall Jr. - Carolina Panthers

© Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The three-year NFL WR Terrace Marshall Jr. has been on a Carolina Panthers team that hasn’t had any consistency at QB while he’s been there. Straight down the line, it’s time for a change.

With solid size and speed, Marshall (like the aforementioned CB Elam) could use a fresh start and a vertical play caller like Shane Steichen directing things. Not to mention, future NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Reggie Wayne would be his position coach.

Marshall could come in and make plays with a frame standing 6’2” and north of 200 pounds. It’s clear that Josh Downs is the slot receiver for the Colts, while Isaiah McKenzie is mostly a kick/punt returner. With Alec Pierce not playing at the height of expectations, could Marshall push him or work better in this Steichen-led offense?

Through his NFL tenure, he’s played 33 games and caught 62 passes for 751 receiving yards and 1 TD. Indy may need more playmakers for QB Anthony Richardson, and Marshall makes perfect sense given his situation in Carolina. 

CB Jaylon Johnson - Chicago Bears

© Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, a second cornerback. With how awful Indy’s secondary looks right now, why not shoot high and put Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson alongside Kenny Moore II and help the Colts' defensive back issues?

The four-year pro and former second-round pick out of Utah has put together 45 games (all starts), 143 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 35 passes defended, and a defensive touchdown.

Needless to say, with how Chicago likely will want to keep their younger playmakers it’s unlikely they will deal Johnson off in my humble football opinion. But, they might also be able to get a nice return for trading him, especially with a cornerback-desperate team like the Colts.

Could we see Johnson in a Colts uniform? While I think it’s a long shot, crazier things have happened as the NFL trade deadline approaches. 

---

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.