In spite of losing starting quarterback Anthony Richardson to injury in Week 4, the Indianapolis Colts managed to sneak into the postseason thanks to a strong effort from backup Gardner Minshew. Indianapolis’ objective should be to surround the 21-year-old quarterback with as much talent as possible as he enters a new season healthy.
The Colts can consider making these three changes to help them take the next step toward becoming a playoff contender.
TRADE: TE Dawson Knox to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick
Even though he missed a few games in 2023, Knox can still be an important tight end in the correct setting. The Bills’ top tight end, 27-year-old Dalton Kincaid, was selected in the first round in 2023, but he might benefit from a change of scenery to regain his form.
For Richardson to feel secure, the Colts need a true No. 1 security blanket tight end, the way Andrew Luck had Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron or Peyton Manning had Dallas Clark. In three of his first five seasons, Knox was targeted fifty or more times. In two of those seasons, he gained 500 yards or more and scored 22 touchdowns. If Richardson were paired with running back Jonathan Taylor and receivers Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Michael Pittman Jr., he would have an excellent weaponry.
TE Mo Alie-Cox, cut
After six years in Indianapolis, Alie-Cox has never finished a season with more than 31 receptions or 394 yards. Despite participating in almost all games since 2019, players such as Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, and Jelani Woods have outperformed him. Giving up on the 30-year-old TE would save Indianapolis about $6 million and provide up a space on the roster for a more capable tight end to take his place.
Chris Jones, DT, is signed.
With the fifth-highest cap space in the NFL at $73.9M, the Colts have plenty of money to spare and a dire need at defensive tackle. Jones had a great 2023 season with the Chiefs, but with less than $10 million in budget space, they probably won’t be able to pay him what he wants to stay in the league without severely depleting their roster. On the other hand, the Colts have the money to pay him in the neighborhood of $22.5 million for Daron Payne, $23.5 million for Jeffery Simmons, and $24 million for Quinnen Williams annually.
Specifically at defensive tackle, Indianapolis needs assistance along the defensive line. Jones is the best edge rusher, but Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye are also good, and DeForest Buckner is a fantastic DT in his own right. At his position, we’re talking top-four or five. The Colts would have the best defensive line in their division and possibly the AFC if they paired him and Buckner with defensive ends like Ebukam, Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Tyquan Lewis.
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