At 2-4 and without a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, Indianapolis has little room for error. If the team doesn’t believe it can turn things around, trading a few veterans could be the best way to build for next season.
Here are five Colts players who could be traded, along with a few teams that might be interested.
Colts Trade Rumors: Five Players Who Could Be Dealt
1. Jonathan Taylor — Running Back (UFA 2029)
Of all the players on this list, Jonathan Taylor is probably the one we find hardest to see the Colts actually trading. However, if Indianapolis makes a major move, he could be its best chance to land significant draft capital.
Taylor remains one of the team’s top offensive playmakers. A contender looking for a boost in the backfield would have a hard time finding a more established option, especially if it believes a strong running game could help during a playoff run.
Trading Taylor would leave a significant hole in the Colts’ offense, so the team would need a strong offer to consider moving him. Still, if the Colts are serious about rebuilding, he could be one of their biggest trade chips.
Potentially Interested Teams: Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals.
2. Quenton Nelson — Offensive Guard (UFA 2027)
Quenton Nelson has been a staple of the Colts’ offensive line since being drafted in 2018. At 30 years old and approaching the end of his current deal, Indianapolis has to consider whether keeping him makes sense if the team is preparing for a rebuild.
Nelson would give a contender an experienced presence up front, particularly a team looking to improve its protection or strengthen its running game. Proven offensive linemen aren’t easy to find, and a player of Nelson’s caliber could attract interest from teams with legitimate playoff aspirations.
For Indianapolis, moving Nelson would be a difficult decision, but it could help the team get younger while adding draft capital. If the Colts don’t expect to compete in the near future, his age and contract situation make him worth considering as a trade candidate.
Potentially Interested Teams: Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Seattle Seahawks.
3. DeForest Buckner — Defensive Line (UFA 2027)
DeForest Buckner is another veteran worth watching if the Colts decide to sell before the trade deadline. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses from the interior defensive line could make him an appealing addition for a contender looking to strengthen its pass rush.
Following Indianapolis’ loss to the Tennessee Titans, Buckner made his frustrations clear to reporters.
“I’m sick and tired of the same song and dance every year,” Buckner said. “We lost to the Tennessee Titans, who were 0-5, and now they’re 1-5.”
Buckner’s comments are another sign that frustration in Indianapolis is growing. With the team struggling and veterans starting to speak out, it’s fair to question whether this group can turn things around.
Moving Buckner wouldn’t solve all of the Colts’ defensive problems, but it could give him a chance to compete for a championship while bringing back assets for the future. If Indianapolis decides to move on, contenders looking for an established interior defender should at least explore the possibility.
Potentially Interested Teams: Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills.
4. Charvarius Ward — Cornerback (UFA 2028)
Charvarius Ward is another name worth watching as Indianapolis evaluates its roster. The veteran cornerback has struggled to consistently deliver this season, and his contract could become a factor as the Colts consider their options.
With Indianapolis already investing heavily in Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, moving Ward could give the team a chance to save money and reshape its secondary. However, any potential savings would need to be weighed against the cost of finding another cornerback who can contribute.
Even with his struggles this season, Ward could interest a team looking for help at cornerback. A new situation might allow him to get back on track, particularly if a contender believes it can get more out of him.
Ward might not command the same return as some of the bigger names on this list, but moving him could still be a practical step if Indianapolis wants to make changes ahead of next season.
Potentially Interested Teams: Bengals, Bills, Detroit Lions, and Carolina Panthers.
5. Grover Stewart — Defensive Line (UFA 2027)
Grover Stewart rounds out the list as another veteran defensive lineman who could be available if Indianapolis decides to sell. His biggest selling point is his ability to defend the run and provide experience along the interior defensive line.
The Colts have struggled this season, and Stewart has had his own difficulties. However, a contender dealing with injuries or looking to improve its run defense could see value in adding him without paying the price for a bigger-name defensive star.
His contract situation could also make him a more affordable option for a team looking to add depth. For Indianapolis, trading Stewart could free up a roster spot and potentially bring back a late-round pick.
He probably wouldn’t generate the same interest as Taylor, Nelson, or Buckner, but that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be a market for a veteran who can contribute against the run.
Potentially Interested Teams: Packers, Giants, Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints.
The Last Word
The Colts have some difficult decisions ahead. Firing Ballard, considering a change at quarterback, and dealing with growing frustration inside the locker room are all signs that things aren’t going according to plan.
Trading all five players would be a major shake-up, and it’s unlikely Indianapolis would move everyone on this list. However, with a 2-4 record and no first-round pick in 2027, the team needs to decide whether it can realistically turn things around or if it’s time to start planning for next season.
Taylor, Nelson, and Buckner would likely generate the most interest because of their established track records and potential value to contenders. Ward and Stewart might not bring back the same return, but moving either player could still help Indianapolis reshape its roster.
Indianapolis now has to decide whether it can salvage this season or whether it’s time to start selling off pieces for 2027.
Main Image: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
