The Indianapolis Colts are nearing the end of the offseason workout program, but they will continue to retool the roster leading up to training camp and the preseason.
Some of that may include a trade or two from Chris Ballard’s side. As Bleacher Report listed one player each team should consider trading, they suggested a fan favorite for the Colts.
Indianapolis Colts: DT Grover Stewart
The Indianapolis Colts, who won nine games two years ago, might not be rebuilding quite as much as Houston. However, Indy does have a new quarterback in fourth-overall pick Anthony Richardson and could use extra capital with which to build around him on offense.
This is part of why trading six-year starter Grover Stewart should be considered. The other factor to consider is that Stewart will turn 30 in October, will be a free agent in 2024 and may not be viewed as an integral piece by the new regime.
Trading Stewart would also save $9.6 million in cap space. That’s money that could be used to put another skill player around Richardson.
Sending Stewart to another team, likely a contender, should bring a fairly strong return. The market for defensive tackles is on the rise—29-year-old Dalvin Tomlinson got a four-year, $57 million deal in free agency—so Stewart’s $9.3 million base salary is reasonable.
Stewart is also a productive defender, one who logged 70 tackles, four sacks, 12 quarterback pressures and a fumble recovery in 2022. The Colts could realistically expect a high Day 3 draft pick at a minimum.
It’s difficult to imagine Ballard entertaining the idea of trading Stewart for a Day 3 pick. Stewart is one of his and the fanbase’s favorite players, and he’s coming off a career year.
While it makes sense from a contractual standpoint, the Colts have enough salary-cap space to make the moves they want, which may include extensions for running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason.
Trading Stewart for, say, a fourth-round pick would leave a massive hole in the middle of the defensive line.
The Colts have already struggled to find viable depth pieces behind Stewart at the one-technique so it doesn’t make much sense that he would be available for trade unless Ballard was blown away by an offer.
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