Despite the setback of losing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson in Week 4, the Indianapolis Colts managed to rally around backup Gardner Minshew and came close to securing a playoff spot. With Richardson set to return healthy for the upcoming season, the Colts’ primary objective should be to surround the 21-year-old QB with a talented supporting cast.

Here are three strategic moves that the Colts should consider to elevate their status to playoff contender:

1. **Trade:** Offer a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for tight end Dawson Knox.

Despite missing some games in 2023, Knox remains a valuable tight end, especially in the right environment. While he was overshadowed by 2023 first-round pick Dalton Kincaid as the Bills’ top tight end, a change of scenery could reignite his career. The Colts are in need of a reliable No. 1 tight end for Richardson to depend on, akin to Peyton Manning’s connection with Dallas Clark or Andrew Luck’s rapport with Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron. Knox has demonstrated his ability to be a consistent target with over 50 receptions in three of his first five seasons, along with totaling over 500 yards twice and scoring 22 touchdowns. Pairing him with running back Jonathan Taylor and receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce would provide Richardson with a formidable arsenal of weapons.

2. **Release:** Part ways with tight end Mo Alie-Cox.

Despite his six-year tenure in Indianapolis, Alie-Cox has never surpassed 31 receptions or 394 yards in a single season. Despite his consistent availability since 2019, he has been overshadowed by younger talents such as Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, and Jelani Woods. Cutting ties with the 30-year-old tight end would not only save the Colts nearly $6 million in cap space but also open up a roster spot for a more productive replacement.

3. **Signing:** Pursue defensive tackle Chris Jones in free agency.

With ample cap space of $73.9 million (the fifth-most in the NFL), the Colts are well-positioned to address their significant need at defensive tackle. Jones enjoyed a stellar season with the Chiefs in 2023, but their limited cap space makes it challenging to retain him without compromising their roster depth. In contrast, the Colts have the financial flexibility to offer Jones a lucrative contract in the range of other top defensive tackles like Quinnen Williams, Jeffery Simmons, and Daron Payne. Adding Jones to the defensive front alongside standouts like Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Tyquan Lewis would solidify the Colts’ defensive line as one of the best in the AFC and potentially the entire league.