The Indianapolis Colts appear to be going all in on the 2024 season after benching quarterback Anthony Richardson.
The Colts’ decision to start veteran Joe Flacco signals a preference for winning now above future development. That could prompt them to buy before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
In fact, Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News made his trade deadline predictions, and the Colts were one among the clubs to add to their squad, signing a former Pro Bowl running back.
“Colts trade for Panthers RB Miles Sanders: He had his best season with Shane Steichen in Philly, and should Indy want to get run-heavier without Anthony Richardson, they need a savvier backup to Jonathan Taylor than the mishmash of Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson,” said Iyer.
Sanders appears to be a different running back in Carolina than the one that made the Pro Bowl under Steichen in Philadelphia. Last year, he lost his starting spot to Chuba Hubbard, who has been light years ahead.
Having said that, the existing pairing of Sermon and Goodson can be improved. Neither player has performed so brilliantly in a spot-start situation that they cannot be replaced.
Given Taylor’s injury history, particularly ankle sprains, the Colts may need to find a more well-rounded running back who can provide value between the tackles and as a receiver—rather than isolated positions for distinct players.
Chris Ballard’s trade deadline history implies the Colts will not do much buying at the deadline, but they did get Zack Moss in a 2022 trade, so there is precedent for this type of transaction to occur.
