The trade deadline is coming up today and the Colts have a general manager who loves to make moves when and where he can. We know his track record isn’t the greatest with trade though. Vontae is the only trade that Grigson has done that has turned out to be a good move. Richardson turned out to be a dumpster fire and the trade for Sio Moore hasn’t turned up much yet, but there is still time. Grigson traded away Marcus Burley to the Seahawks for a 6th round pick and Burley became a lower end player for Seattle so I guess you could call that a decent trade because that 6th round pick from the Seahawks produced Amarlo Herrera who has shown promise as an inside linebacker. There are some moves that can be made in order to get this Colts roster in better order to make a run towards the playoffs. Here are those trades that I think if Grigson pulled the trigger on would be the most help to this team as they try to turn things around.
1. Alex Mack-C (Browns)
It was reported by Ian Rappaport (Wow!) that the Browns are shopping their two best offensive lineman in center Alex Mack and their Pro-Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas. Now don’t get me wrong, if they pulled the trigger on Thomas and he could move over to right tackle and Reitz could go to right guard then I think this offensive line of the Colts would rival the Cowboys, but that isn’t going to happen. However, landing Mack isn’t out of the question. He is older and I know that the older guys the Colts have brought in haven’t worked out just yet (except Gore), but Mack is a different story. He is coming off an injury though is still a top three center in this league. Also a card that would be working in the Colts favor is that Mack’s contract is voidable by him after this season and more than likely he would be leaving for a contender anyways. The biggest issue is there is a no trade clause in his contract and could opt out of coming here if he so chooses.
What would it take?
4th-5th round pick in 2016
Khaled Holmes or Jonathan Harrison
2. Sean Smith-CB (Chiefs)
This is another obvious move. The Colts need another good cornerback and they don’t have one. Toler can’t seem to shake the rust from being out for so long and Butler cannot play outside and be effective. I have seen Smith’s name be brought up as a possible trade that the Chiefs would make, but nothing is off the table when you’re last in your division. Smith would be a good addition to counterbalance Vontae and it wouldn’t be too much money for the Colts to take on. The downside is that Smith is in the final year of his contract and the Colts would really only get him for half a season before they would have to negotiate a contract or watch him walk. If the price is right it may be worth the risk and just hope they can keep him in the offseason.
What would it take?
3rd-4th round pick in 2016
Greg Toler or Darius Butler
3. Brian Cushing-ILB (Texans)
Now this would be an odd sight for every Colts fan. We have been used to seeing Cushing trying to tear Colts players heads off. However, it seems that Cushing could be ready to get out of Houston. Cushing is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year, Pro-Bowler, and an All-Pro. He has had some injuries in his career, but is still very good at his position. He also has the athleticism to cover receivers across the middle. The only thing that kind of kept me a little weary about putting Cushing on this short list is that the Colts are stacked at inside linebacker. Cushing is a better talent then most of the guys the Colts currently have and I don’t think it would take much to get him from Houston.
What would it take?
5th-6th round pick in 2016
Nate Irving or Sio Moore
