This Colts-Broncos trade proposal sends key offensive threat to Indy

The Indianapolis Colts have the makings of what can be a very explosive offense. The team’s biggest change came at the quarterback position, where Gardner Minshew was signed in free agency and the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was used on Anthony Richardson.

While nothing has been announced about who the starter will be, Minshew and Richardson are both upgrades over what the Colts trotted out there last season. Minshew would be the safer option of the two, with multiple seasons of experience in Shane Steichen’s offense and as the veteran.

Richardson’s ceiling is certainly higher, but he is still considered a raw prospect by some. While there are strides to be made as a passer, there is no denying that Richardson could have an impact right away with his athleticism and rushing ability.

Alas, regardless of who is under center, it wouldn’t hurt to add some more weapons around them. Last season’s slot receiver, Parris Campbell, departed in free agency, signing with the New York Giants. To offset that loss, the team did sign Isaiah McKenzie, formerly of the Buffalo Bills. The Colts also used a third-round pick on wide receiver Josh Downs out of North Carolina.

There is certainly some depth and talent at the position, but if the opportunity presented itself to make another upgrade, Indianapolis should do some due diligence. Could that upgrade come in the form of Jerry Jeudy of the Denver Broncos?

The Broncos have gone back and forth about whether to trade any of their wide receivers. Jeudy’s name has popped up in rumors continually, but he remains in Denver, for now. Heading into Year 4, he would likely be easier to trade and bring back a better return package than Courtland Sutton would.

What could a trade between the Colts and Broncos look like? Indianapolis could offer a second- and fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in exchange for the 2020 first-round pick out of Alabama.

At this point in time, the No. 1 goal for the Colts needs to be making the roster as strong as possible around Richardson. Bringing in upgrades now, while he is on his rookie contract, is key to maximizing their salary cap potential.

Jeudy would provide him with an excellent option out of the slot, working underneath and intermediate routes with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce working the boundaries. Those three, along with Downs and McKenzie, would be a deep, talented and diverse group of pass catchers, providing Steichen with a ton of flexibility when it comes to formations.

Acquiring Jeudy also provides the team some insurance in case Pittman doesn’t return to the team in 2024 as he enters the final season on his rookie contract. Jeudy has two seasons remaining on his deal after the fifth-year option on his contract was exercised.