Can the Colts find a trading partner at the League Meetings?

Lets set aside our differing views on the construction of the 2026 version of the Colts to this point. We can do a lot of complaining or hyping, depending on your current level of satisfaction. Even though I am okay with the steps taken so far, I do not think that it is a stretch to say that we are all in agreement that we likely do not see an improvement to last year’s 8 – 9 record, unless we find another source of getting after the QB.

Some think Hendrickson should have been that source, but he is not, so we have to turn somewhere else. I’m not sure that even the most vocal Ballard detractors would include “liar” in their description of him. Usually after he makes a decision, you can go back and see that he told us what he was going to do.

Sometimes, it is a bit cryptic, but I think you have to take “getting faster and younger on defense along the front seven” at his word. To me, that takes a few guys off of the board, including FAs Bosa and Riddick at 31 years old. It may also take some of the trade candidates (Sweat, Greenard, or even Crosby for that matter) out of the picture.

So, unless you know something that 31 teams do not know about and envision a difference maker at pick 47, you are likely only able to upgrade via trade. I mean, it would be great to have a first round pick, but according to Tankathon, there will be eight Edge rushers go off the board by the time we pick. Your sources may vary.