One trade, cut, and signing the Indianapolis Colts should be

Despite losing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson in Week 4, the Indianapolis Colts fought behind backup

Gardner Minshew and almost made the playoffs. With Richardson healthy entering into the new season, Indianapolis’ goal should be to surround the 21-year-old quarterback with as much talent as possible.

Here are three changes the Colts should make to help them become postseason contenders.

Though he missed a few games in 2023, Knox remains a valuable tight end in the appropriate situation. The 27-year-old was passed over as the Bills’ top tight end by 2023 first-round choice Dalton Kincaid, but a change of environment could help him get back on track.

The Colts need a real No. 1 security blanket tight end for Richardson to rely on, just as Peyton Manning had Dallas Clark and Andrew Luck had Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron.

Knox was targeted 50 or more times in three of his first five seasons, gaining 500 yards or more twice and scoring 22 touchdowns. Pairing him alongside running back Jonathan Taylor and receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce would provide Richardson with a strong arsenal of weapons.

Alie-Cox has been with Indianapolis for six years, and he has never recorded more than 31 receptions or 394 yards in any of those seasons.

He has appeared in nearly every game since 2019, however he has been outplayed by players such as Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, and Jelani Woods. Parting ways with the 30-year-old TE would save Indianapolis about $6 million and provide up a roster slot for a more accomplished tight end to replace him.

SIGNING OF DT Chris Jones

The Colts have $73.9 million in cap space (the fifth-most in the NFL) and a significant need at defensive tackle. Jones had a fantastic year with the Chiefs in 2023, but they have just under $10 million in contract room and will most certainly be unable to maintain Jones and pay him the salary he desires without gutting their roster.

In contrast, the Colts have the finances to pay him in the Quinnen Williams ($24 million per year), Jeffery Simmons ($23.5 million per year), and Daron Payne ($22.5 million per year) ranges.

Indianapolis requires assistance on the defensive front, specifically at defensive tackle. Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye are good edge rushers, and DeForest Buckner is a fine defensive tackle in his own right, but Jones is superior. We’re talking about the top four or five at his position.

Pairing him and Buckner with defensive ends like Ebukam, Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Tyquan Lewis would give the Colts the best defensive line in their division, and possibly the whole AFC.