The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Anthony Richardson could always use additional offensive weapons.
The Indianapolis Colts have surrounded quarterback Anthony Richardson with a number of offensive players of outstanding caliber. The top names include wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and former All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. Receiver Josh Downs appears to be on his way to a big season in 2024 after dominating training camp thus far. Along with Downs, third-year tight end Jelani Woods is expected to return from hamstring injuries that wrecked his 2023 season completely.
However, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes Indianapolis can continue to add to their offensive talent pool through trades in a recent article identifying one move each NFL team should make before the season begins. Miles Sanders, a former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl running back and current Carolina Panther, will represent the Colts.
Its a situation that the Colts should look to take advantage of. Shane Steichen helped Sanders have his most productive season in 2022. Sanders earned his big payday with 1,347 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.
– Alex Ballentine | Bleacher Report
Ballentine believes Indianapolis will give up only a sixth-round pick in 2025 for a running back that Shane Steichen helped to career highs as an offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. While it’s a viable trade option and has “Chris Ballard” written all over it, Indianapolis appears pleased with who they already have behind Taylor. Sanders also struggled as Carolina’s leading rusher, racking up only 432 rushing yards and one touchdown last season.
While Steichen helped Sanders to the Pro Bowl, he also has Trey Sermon on his roster and coached him in Philadelphia. While Sermon didn’t light the Colts’ season on fire last year, he performed admirably when called upon and helped lead Indianapolis to a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sermon is also less expensive and may be more appropriate for Steichen’s goals in Indianapolis, costing only $1.05 million per year (Over The Cap). Sanders’ deal is currently valid until 2026 and costs $6.35 million per year.
Along with Sermon, second-year back Evan Hull has several characteristics that make him appealing to Steichen’s scheme, which Sanders lacks. Hull’s receiving ability stands out the most. Taylor and Sermon aren’t particularly good pass catchers, so Steichen can use Hull on third-down situations for receiving and pass blocking, both of which he may excel at among all Indianapolis running backs.
Ballentine has the right concept with this lower-level trade. Steichen was the coordinator who helped Sanders become a star with the Eagles. Sanders, on the other hand, faced no competition in the backfield in 2022 and may not be as talented as Sermon or Hull. Unless Sanders can reinvigorate his career, or the Colts can restructure his contract and give up a seventh-round pick instead, they should avoid this move entirely.
