The NFL trade deadline came and went Tuesday without the Indianapolis Colts making a move.
This was to be expected as the Colts are caught between buying and selling. Even though the team is currently on a three-game losing streak, the idea of selling just to do so doesn’t make a ton of sense. What they would get in return for available players likely wouldn’t be more than a late Day 3 pick.
Considering the fact that Anthony Richardson is on the shelf for the rest of the season, the idea of buying rentals at the deadline doesn’t make much sense either.
As Stephen Holder of ESPN put it, the team simply views itself in a holding pattern.
My understanding is the Colts weren’t actively involved in any substantive conversations before today’s trade deadline.
Never pictured them as either a seller or buyer. Feels like they’re more in a holding pattern, to be honest.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 31, 2023
There were only a few players that maybe warranted a potential trade away. Tight end Mo Alie-Cox was near the top of that list considering his declining role and expensive contract, but the Colts are dealing with injuries at the position so he’s needed for depth purposes.
Other players in contract years like safety Julian Blackmon and cornerback Kenny Moore II are simply too valuable to send away right now, especially since both could still be in the future plans after the 2023 season.
Either way, it wasn’t expected that the Colts were going to be buying or selling at the deadline, so it’s business as usual as Indy looks to snap a three-game losing streak.
