The Indianapolis Colts are an interesting position. While they were not on anyone’s radar going into the season, they play in the very winnable AFC South and have been extremely competitive in the early stages of 2023.

So, could Indianapolis actually be an active player at the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline?

If the Colts do get involved in trade talks, one area they really need to shore up is the cornerback position.

Here are three corners Indy could pursue in the coming weeks.

Donte Jackson, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers fell to 0-4 with their loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and even in the weak NFC South, it seems pretty safe to say that the team isn’t going anywhere.

For that reason, Carolina could look to move some pieces ahead of the deadline.

What about Donte Jackson?

Jackson is now in his sixth NFL season and has spent all of them with the Panthers. He has just one year remaining on his deal after this season, and with the veteran turning 28 in about a month, there probably isn’t really a place for him in Carolina’s future.

While Jackson is not exactly a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback, he is solid, and he would provide some depth to a Colts secondary that certainly needs it.

Jackson tore his Achilles last season, but he has returned in 2023 and has played in all four games thus far. He isn’t a groundbreaking player, but Indianapolis probably won’t have to give up much to acquire him.

Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears

Now we are starting to get into more interesting possibilities.

Would the Bears consider trading Jaylon Johnson over the next few weeks?

Chicago is 1-4 and were able to beat the Washington Commanders to start Week 5. Even with the win, the season has been an absolute disaster.

Johnson is playing out the final year of his deal, and whether or not Chicago will be able to afford to re-sign him in the spring is debatable. The Bears have tons of holes up and down the roster, and Johnson may fetch a pretty penny in free agency.

Would the Colts be willing to part with a Day 2 draft pick to land him? Because that’s probably what it would cost (at least).

Johnson is just 24 years old, and while he is yet to make a Pro Bowl, he is one of the better young cornerbacks in football. He would instantly bolster Indianapolis’ secondary, and in a world where the Colts trade for him and extend him, he could grow and develop with this young Indy squad.

Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos

That brings us to the top name on the list: Patrick Surtain II.

Surtain’s father, Patrick Sr., recently expressed his displeasure with the Broncos following their embarrassing 70-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. Of course, that has no bearing on his son’s situation, but he could potentially convince his son to ask for a trade (or at least support him if he chooses to do so).

Surtain has one year remaining on his contract after this season, and judging by how Denver has looked in the first three years of Surtain’s NFL tenure, you could certainly envision the 23-year-old wanting to skip town at the first opportunity.

Could the Colts put together a package for the 2022 First-Team All-Pro?

It would definitely be costly, but for a 28th-ranked Indianapolis defense that needs all the help it can get, Surtain would be a boon of an acquisition.

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