The Indianapolis Colts had a great chance to qualify for the 2023 postseason. Despite being crippled by injuries, they were only 16 yards and a Tyler Goodson drop away from qualifying for the postseason. Anthony Richardson, a rookie quarterback, missed 13 games and Jonathan Taylor missed seven. However, Indianapolis ought to improve coming season, particularly if they can make a few more additions to their roster.
Reaching out to players like Caleb Farley and Miles Sanders in a trade would help the Colts complete their roster for 2024.
Colts reunite Shane Steichen with Miles Sanders
2023 was a tough year for Miles Sanders on the football field, though financially, he fared well. He secured a four-year, $25.6 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, which included $13 million guaranteed. While Sanders earned this contract based on his previous performances, his first season with Carolina fell far short of expectations.
Sanders, who had averaged just over five yards per carry during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, saw his average drop to 3.3 yards per carry in 2023. His struggles didn’t end there. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he had the fifth-worst rushing yards over expectation average per attempt among running backs, with only Jamaal Williams, Kareem Hunt, Dameon Pierce, and Alvin Kamara performing worse in this area.
Chuba Hubbard replaced Sanders in the starting lineup, outperforming him in nearly every statistical category. Additionally, the Panthers selected Texas’ Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, indicating that Sanders is likely no longer part of their future plans. It seems logical for both Sanders and the Panthers to part ways.
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If Sanders were to leave, the Indianapolis Colts would be a suitable destination. Their backfield depth behind Jonathan Taylor is weak, with Tyler Goodson, Evan Hull, and Trey Sermon vying for the backup spot. Moreover, Sanders has significant familiarity with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia from 2021 to 2022. Notably, those years were arguably Sanders’ best as a professional.
Sanders’ contract might discourage him from making a transfer. This year, his cap hit is slightly less than $7.7 million. However, Sanders might be a huge asset to Indianapolis’ offense if the money issues could be resolved. The Colts might make a good trade offer for him.
Colts target Caleb Farley in trade
In the secondary, Indianapolis could definitely use some assistance. In terms of passing yards permitted per game and EPA allowed per dropback in 2023, they were in the middle of the pack. Even yet, they relied on a cornerback room that was primarily inexperienced and youthful. Outside of Kenny Moore, who is a reliable veteran in the slot, the Colts used rookies like JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones.
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For the majority of the season, the Colts were able to get away with it, but in the season finale, they were burned. The first play of their win-and-in game against the Houston Texans came when they allowed CJ Stroud to pass for a 75-yard touchdown to Nico Collins.
In the game, Stroud completed 20 of 26 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns; Collins received 195 of those yards. The Colts should have made a big priority this offseason to expand their room for cornerbacks, but they haven’t. Their selection of former Marshall corner Micah Abraham in the sixth round stands as their lone noteworthy move to far.
The Tennessee Titans’ Caleb Farley might still be acquired by the Colts in that regard. Due to injuries, Farley—a previous first-round selection—has played infrequently in the NFL. Throughout three seasons, he has only made 12 appearances.
It looks like the Titans are prepared to let go of Farley. Farley’s fifth-year option for the 2025 campaign was rejected by Tennessee. He was further demotion in the depth chart by their offseason acquisitions of L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie. If he wants to be active on game day, he could have to play special teams.
Farley needs to start over somewhere else. Indianapolis has to strengthen their cornerback position. It makes sense for all sides to deal Farley to the Colts.
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