The Indianapolis Colts are set to make a major change heading into their Week 8 matchup with the Washington Commanders. They have decided the time is now to make a quarterback change, as Matt Ryan, who is also dealing with a shoulder injury, is being benched in favor of Sam Ehlinger. Had the shoulder injury not occurred, Ehlinger was still going to be named the team’s starter for the rest of the season.
Indianapolis is hoping that Ehlinger will help spark an offense that has been stuck in neutral throughout the 2022 season. Entering the campaign with some dark horse Super Bowl hype, the Colts are currently 3-3-1 without much to get excited about.
Their offense is among the least dynamic in the NFL as they are 30th in points for. They play at a snail’s pace and hopefully, for their sake, Ehlinger can help them pick that up. Certainly still possessing a chance to make the postseason, expect the Colts to scour the league for some upgrades ahead of the trade deadline on November 1st.
Looking to upgrade the offense, one player that could intrigue the Colts is KJ Hamler of the Denver Broncos. Denver has been receiving a lot of calls on numerous players, but Hamler is the one reportedly beginning to draw the most interest.
The second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Penn State has seemingly turned into an afterthought in the dysfunctional Broncos’ offense. He has only been targeted only 11 times in six games, catching five passes for 113 yards.
Hamler has dealt with numerous injuries, as he finished his first two seasons in the NFL on IR with a hamstring injury and ACL tear, but there is plenty of untapped potential there. He needs a change of scenery and the Colts could provide him with one.
The speedster could go right into their lineup in the slot with Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Alec Pierce working on the perimeter. Indianapolis would be hoping that an expanded role and new offensive system would enable him to start realizing the potential that he possesses.
Based on his production and injury history, Hamler would come at a much cheaper rate than his teammate Jerry Jeudy, who is also on the trade block. The Colts should offer a fifth-round pick to the Broncos for Hamler and see if Denver bites. The most that should be offered is a future fourth-round pick.
