The Indianapolis Colts believed they could compete for the AFC South crown in 2021. That’s why they traded for quarterback Carson Wentz earlier this year. Alas, the second overall pick in 2016’s draft will most likely miss a significant amount of time after suffering a foot injury in training camp.
Wentz’s injury involves a bone and a ligament, per Michael Silver of NFL Media. The quarterback may have to undergo surgery and will probably be out for a while, so the Colts will have to start looking for potential replacements as soon as possible. In fact, it’s possible that they had already reached out to several teams. After all, their season might hinge on their ability to find an adequate replacement for the 2017 Pro Bowl nod.
With Wentz out of the picture, Jacob Eason became Indy’s starting quarterback by default. The 2020 fourth-round pick has never played a snap in the NFL and the Colts won’t likely roll with him in Week 1, so whom should they call?
You may have heard that desperate times call for desperate measures and Indianapolis could end up calling the AFC South rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus suggests the Jags send quarterback Gardner Minshew II to the Colts in exchange 2022 fourth-round pick and a 2023 sixth-round pick. That’s simply too little for one of the best backup passers in the NFL.
The Jaguars are better off keeping Minshew but if someone came calling with an enticing proposal, they should listen. Keep in mind that they can afford to trade the former Cougar, as they have C.J. Beathard on the roster. Nevertheless, if they are willing to deal their number-two quarterback —yes, Trevor Lawrence is the starter — they must ask for an early-round pick and if the Colts aren’t interested in parting ways with theirs, they could offer any of these three players.
Jacksonville Jaguars trade target No. 1 – Tight end Mo Alie-Cox
Tight end is one of the Jaguars’ weakest position groups ahead of the 2021 season. Although the group has shown encouraging signs throughout training camp, the unit could still use a boost. If the Jaguars’ asking price of an early-round pick is too much for the Colts, they could inquire about the availability of Mo Alie-Cox. His name doesn’t probably ring many bells but he’s one of Indianapolis’ most underrated players.
When you think of the Colts’ offense, probably running back Johnatan Taylor or even left guard Quenton Nelson possibly come to mind. However, Alie-Cox is expected to be a key contributor this upcoming season.
In 2020, the Virginia Commonwealth product made a career-high six starts and hauled in 31 receptions for 394 yards and two touchdowns. While that may not sound like a lot, he only appeared in 46 percent of the team’s total snaps on offense. Moreover, he started the season behind Trey Burton and Jack Doyle on the depth chart.
With Burton out of the picture, Alie-Cox could see his production go up considerably in 2021… unless the Jaguars traded for him. If that happened, the Virginia product would probably become the number-one tight end in Jacksonville.
Gardner Minshew has said that he wants an opportunity to compete for a starting job. He would get his chance if he landed in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, the Jaguars would get a tight end with plenty of upside. This trade would benefit both teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars trade target No. 2 – Safety Julian Blackmon
If the Colts hadn’t given right tackle Braden Smith a massive four-year contract extension worth $70 million just a few days ago, he would have been an appealing trade target. The Jaguars believe incumbent Jawaan Taylor will get back on track after struggling last season. Nevertheless, Smith would have been a massive upgrade but with him being locked, Jacksonville will have to look elsewhere for help.
Another player Indy could offer the Jags in exchange for Gardner Minshew is sophomore safety Julian Blackmon. The 2020 third-round pick had a solid rookie campaign, posting 43 total tackles, three tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, six passes defensed and two interceptions. Furthermore, he played 15 games with 14 starts and appear in 89 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps.
Safety isn’t an area of need for the Jaguars but Blackmon would be a solid addition to the secondary. Although the Utah product gave up two touchdown receptions in 2020, he’s solid in pass coverage. Also, he posted a Pro Football Focus run grade of 79.4.
Rayshawn Jenkins will most likely start at one safety spot and veteran Jarrod Wilson at the other. Blackmon could challenge the latter for the job. The Jags also have rookie Andre Cisco and Daniel Thomas but bringing Blackmon in would eventually allow them to move on from Wilson, who is set to become a free agent after this season.
The Jaguars lacked depth at safety last season, landing Blackmon would ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
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.