Among other topics, Ben Solak of ESPN recently made a “big prediction” for each of the teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs. So what moves could the Indianapolis Colts potentially be making?
Solak’s big prediction for the Colts centered around them possibly making a “surprising veteran trade.”
The primary name mentioned was Quenton Nelson, who was named a second-team All-Pro this season.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the locker room drama of 2024 leads to a surprising veteran trade,” wrote Solak. “Could guard Quenton Nelson be dealt for a first-round pick? Even entering his age-29 season, it’s possible.”
The other name that Solak brought up was cornerback Kenny Moore.
Given how general manager Chris Ballard’s season-ending press conference unfolded, I just can’t see either of these aforementioned trades happening.
Over and over again Ballard stressed the need to add more competition to the roster–trading either Nelson or Moore away would do the opposite.
Ballard also mentioned that the secondary play wasn’t good enough and that making sure the offensive line depth is good enough will be another priority this offseason. Again, trading away with of these players only hurts those position groups.
Perhaps this could be considered a more likely path had the Colts moved on from Ballard and someone new stepped in and was beginning to hit the reset button.
However, as we all know, that didn’t happen. Ballard has to win now to keep his job so weakening the roster for draft picks doesn’t seem like a path he is going to be going down in 2025.
