A Bold Move in a Time of Crisis: Indianapolis Colts Propose $139.5 Million Trade for Rivals’ QB Amidst…..Read more

Seven weeks into the season, the Indianapolis Colts are tied for 24th place in the NFL in terms of team sacks (14 overall), with defensive ends Laiatu Latu and Dayo Odeyingbo leading the pack with 2.0 sacks apiece. Players like Samson Ebukam, DeForest Buckner, and Tyquan Lewis have suffered several injuries on the defensive end, forcing depth players and a rookie to take charge of reaching opposing passers.

Indianapolis should make every effort to acquire the former first overall pick in light of this circumstance and the recent news that the Cleveland Browns have received calls regarding defensive end Myles Garrett’s potential trade availability.

Garrett doesn’t require an introduction. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, three-time First Team All-Pro, and five-time Pro Bowl selection is a formidable weapon. Indianapolis needs to look into and perhaps fight to make this transaction after what seems to be the beginning of a fire sale after the Browns sent star Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills.

Chris Ballard, the general manager of the Colts, is conservative, which is the first reason why this trade isn’t practical. Although Ballard is usually taciturn and avoids making extravagant trade or signing deals, the Colts’ seasoned general manager cannot ignore Garrett’s generational edge rusher skill. The first thing that jumps out is Garrett’s ridiculous five-year, $125 million defensive contract. The 2026 season is also covered by the contract. Here is a quick summary of Garrett’s cap hit for each season according to Spotrac.

-2024 | $20,168,895

-2025 | $19,722,120

-2026 | $20,374,120

At $11,036,750, Indianapolis currently has the 14th-most cap space in the league; acquiring Garrett would require a significant portion of that sum. Additionally, there is a good chance that the Colts would lose a top player, several high draft picks, or both if a trade with Cleveland were to take place. Ballard might have to give up selections over a top player if this occurred, considering how the Browns appear to be a team heading for a restart.

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In theory, the Colts’ defensive front would instantly improve if Indianapolis were to acquire Garrett. With an overall defensive rating of 91.2, a pass-rush rating of 93.0, and a run defense rating of 73.0, Garrett’s Pro Football Focus grades are outstanding. Garrett’s ability to perform at a high level on every snap is demonstrated by these metrics.

Garrett has already recorded 17 tackles (7 for loss), 9 quarterback hits, 4.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles in the 2024 season. Garrett’s impressive career includes 107 games played, 322 tackles (101 for loss), 181 quarterback hits, 92.5 sacks, and 19 forced fumbles. This is obviously a huge deal for the NFL team that can or will carry it out.

The bottom line

For any Colts supporters hoping Garrett gets acquired through a trade, this is probably a pipe dream. However, considering Garrett’s caliber, it cannot be ruled out because the Colts are missing several important players up front and there have been more bizarre incidents in the NFL. To alter their squad, we’ll see which team, if any, makes a trade for the formidable defensive end.