Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 bold trades with the Colts for Gardner Minshew

Jacksonville Jaguars trade target No. 3 – Defensive tackle DeForest Bucker

If the Jaguars think that adding safety Julian Blackmon is an unnecessary luxury and want to roll with their current group of tight ends, they could consider pursuing Colts defensive end DeForest Buckner.

Now, the 2016 first-round pick is one of Indy’s best defensive players and they would surely be hesitant to part ways with him. Nevertheless, they have no leverage and if they really want to keep up with the Tennesse Titans this upcoming season, they may need to consider trading Buckner.

The 2020 First-Team All-Pro has appeared in 78 games with 77 starts over his five-year in Indianapolis. In that span, he’s posted 321 total tackles, 48 tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles, and 14 sacks. The Jaguars would surely like to get that kind of production from the defensive tackle position. On the other hand, they would have to take on his salary.

Last season, Buckner signed a four-year contract extension worth $81 million. If the Colts traded him, they would have to absorb a dead cap hit of $15 million this season, which could make this potential deal even more difficult to pull. However, Gardner Minshew is in the third year of his rookie year and that could ease the hit a bit.

This may seem like a one-sided deal but Indy would get a starting quarterback. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars would get a player that would immediately upgrade their defensive front. Also, Minshew would get the chance to work with Colts head coach Frank Reich, who has previously helped other quarterbacks reach their potential. This would be a win-win for all the parties involved.