The Indianapolis Colts parted ways with general manager Chris Ballard at the start of the week, a move that should prove to be the first step toward an overhaul of the franchise. While additional firings will likely come in January, the 2026 NFL trade deadline provides Indianapolis with another opportunity to reset things and focus on the future.
Amid swirling rumors about potential players Indianapolis could trade in the next few weeks, we’re proposing a few NFL trades that could help start a rebuild for the Colts.
Josh Downs Traded to Seattle Seahawks
A Keenan Allen trade would also make sense for Indianapolis, but it stands to reason there would be more league-wide interest in Josh Downs. Like Allen, he’s a half-season rental, but the acquiring team would also get the chance to see if the 25-year-old wide receiver can be a long-term fit in their offense. Standing at 5-foot-9, Downs has played 172 snaps (53.4 percent) out of the slot this season with Indianapolis. Downs would be an intriguing fit for the Seattle Seahawks.
- Indianapolis Colts trade: Josh Downs
- Seattle Seahawks trade: 2027 5th Round Pick
Seattle’s receiving corps needs some help. Rashid Shaheed has produced just 350 receiving yards in 15 games since the team acquired him a year ago and 33-year-old wideout Cooper Kupp has been a non-factor at times. Downs is capable of getting open quickly and could provide Sam Darnold with an alternative to Jaxon Smith-Njigba at a time when Seattle’s passing game doesn’t seem to have a ton of viable alternatives.
Las Vegas Raiders Acquire DeForest Buckner
Six years ago, Indianapolis acquired DeForest Buckner from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a first-round pick. The veteran defensive tackle remains a very effective disruptor on the interior and given that he’s in a contract year, the 32-year-old should have a strong market of suitors. If Indianapolis wants to keep him out of the division (Houston Texans), one fit we do like for the veteran is the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Las Vegas Raiders trade: 2027 4th Round Pick
- Indianapolis Colts trade: DeForest Buckner
Buckner would provide a significant boost to a Raiders defensive line that currently ranks 26th in ESPN pass-rush win rate (45 percent). He would also greatly benefit from playing alongside Maxx Crosby, giving himself a great chance at finishing this season with seven-plus sacks for the first time since 2023. Buckner’s addition would also increase the Raiders’ chances of potentially sneaking into the postseason as a wild card team.
Quenton Nelson Lands with Green Bay Packers
A total teardown is unlikely, so we’d be far more surprised than not if Indianapolis traded the likes of Quenton Nelson and Jonathan Taylor. With that said, now might be the time for the Colts to move their former All-Pro guard to a contender in dire need of help on the interior offensive line since Nelson might not re-sign with Indianapolis next offseason anyway.
- Indianapolis Colts trade: Quenton Nelson
- Green Bay Packers trade: 2028 3rd Round Pick
While the Green Bay Packers offensive line isn’t as historically bad as it was to start the season, it still has major problems on the interior. Veteran Kevin Zeitler should still eventually start at right guard, but Aaron Banks’ durability issues are still keeping him off the field. Nelson isn’t an All-Pro caliber player at this point, but he would represent a monumental upgrade on the interior for Green Bay. When Jordan Love has been given a semblance of a clean pocket, he’s been lights-out this season.
Los Angeles Rams Pick Up Spencer Shrader
Colts kicker Spencer Shrader leads the NFL in points scored (66), converting on all 18 of his field-goal attempts this season, including 8-for-8 from 40-plus yards away. While kicker trades are a rarity in the NFL during the season, the right level of desperation from a team can change that. Enter the Los Angeles Rams.
- Indianapolis Colts trade: Spencer Shrader
- Los Angeles Rams trade: 2027 5th Round Pick
The beauty of acquiring Shrader for Los Angeles is that he’s a restricted free agent in 2027, so this can be a multi-season solution to kicking woes that have long haunted this franchise. While trading a fifth-round pick for a kicker might feel steep, it becomes easier to justify when you consider the Rams would probably be 4-2 right now instead of 2-4 if they had a reliable kicker from the start.
Jonathan Taylor Dealt to Minnesota Vikings
Given ownership’s recent offseason investment in Taylor, it would be a shock if the All-Pro running back is dealt by the NFL trade deadline. However, teams are going to make inquiries, and he might be the perfect offensive weapon to make the Minnesota Vikings the team to beat in the NFC.
- Indianapolis Colts trade: Jonathan Taylor
- Minnesota Vikings trade: 2027 2nd Round Pick, Jauan Jennings, 2028 4th Round Pick
Taylor’s three-down ability would make him the perfect featured back in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, and he would also thrive sharing the backfield with quarterback Kyler Murray. Minnesota already has the run blocking to maximize Taylor, and with defenses already forced to account for Justin Jefferson, that would also mean lighter boxes for Taylor to run against.