The Indianapolis Colts are in a state of transition. They have a new head coach, Shane Steichen, who they are hoping can help turn the franchise around. For that to occur, the team needs to find a long-term answer at the quarterback position.
Week 1 of the 2023 season will be the seventh consecutive year that Indianapolis has a different quarterback under center in the first game of the season. Figuring things out there is the most important task for the Colts to get things back on track. But, it isn’t the only area on the roster that needs addressing.
The Colts’ defense is in need of an infusion of talent as well. Indianapolis traded Stephon Gilmore this offseason to the Dallas Cowboys, opening up a need at the cornerback position. Upgrading the pass rush also wouldn’t hurt as Yannick Ngakoue is a free agent after leading the team with 9.5 sacks in 2022.
DeForest Buckner was second on the team with 8.0 sacks and Kwity Paye has shown pass-rushing ability as well, picking up 6.0 in 12 games. Adding another edge defender would be a good idea, but it may not come until later in the draft.
If the Colts wanted to make a splash, they could call the Washington Commanders and inquire about Chase Young. Washington has some tough decisions to make after handing out long-term deals to Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. With Montez Sweat next up for an extension, there may not be enough money to go around.
Indianapolis should see if they can take advantage and pick up a premier EDGE defender in Young. Young has lost essentially the last two seasons because of a knee injury, but when healthy and on the field, he has played at an elite level. His performance as a rookie lived up to all expectations of being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
What could a trade between the Colts and Commanders look like? The Colts could offer a 2023 fifth-round pick, a conditional 2024 second-round pick and center Ryan Kelly in exchange for Young and a 2023 sixth-round pick.
Washington addresses its need for interior offensive lineman help with Kelly, a former Pro Bowl center. Free agent signing Nick Gates could then play guard, making the Commanders strong in the trenches.
Because of his injury, the 2024 conditional second-round pick protects the Colts in case Young cannot return to form. If he reaches certain plateaus or the team finds a specific level of success, it will turn into a first-round pick.
The Colts get a big upgrade on the defensive side of the ball with Young, who has immense potential. If healthy, he can be one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. That is a big if, at this point, which is why this trade package comes in a little lesser than what the Miami Dolphins sent to the Denver Broncos for Bradley Chubb ahead of the 2022 deadline.
