Don Deal, the Kansas City Chiefs’ top player, agrees to sign a contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

Don Deal, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ top player, agrees to sign a contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

How do we assess the 2023 Indianapolis Colts season? Well, mostly, it was full of unexpected pleasures derived from unpleasant situations. Anthony Richardson appeared to be a draft steal for Indianapolis. Richardson, who is regarded by many as a “raw” quarterback prospect, excelled in the few games he was involved in last season. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury that ended his season. Still, Indianapolis had an incredible season, highlighted by the return of Jonathan Taylor and the rise of Michael Pittman Jr.

 

Indianapolis can easily look back on this season as a success, but that doesn’t mean they should be happy with their current situation. Despite some obvious deficiencies on their roster, the Colts had a successful season last year. All year long, they set record after record, but at times their defense looked unsteady. With their depth, their offense could still use a few adjustments.

The team would do well to assess these talents, as many key stars may be available in the trade market. Which players ought to be acquired by the Colts during the NFL offseason of 2024?

Joey Bosa, EDGE, Charges
The idea that a team that set a franchise record for sacks the previous season would require edge support is absurd. However, that’s precisely what we’re recommending here. With an astounding 51 sacks last season, the Colts set a team record and finished sixth in the league in sack total. Yet according to Pro-Football Reference, they’re in the lower half in terms of pressures produced. Why is that?

It could be a clear deficiency in a real star on the defensive end. Every team needs that one pass rusher to make defenses twitch, just like a wide receiver room needs an elite player to draw attention. Consider Nick Bosa of the 49ers, Micah Parsons of the Cowboys, or T.J. Watt of the Steelers. Having a dominant edge rusher opens up the defense. This Colts defense, which by all measures had a fantastic season, might have had a better one.

Although Kwiti Paye is still a good player (particularly in the run game), he hasn’t been as effective in pass defense as he once was. He will soon start his fifth season. Although DeForest Buckner takes up a lot of room inside, the Colts would gain a lot by trading him. Imagine how much better this team would be with an actual EDGE threat if they could achieve those numbers without one.

It would be wiser for the Colts to use the draft to address their secondary and wide receiver room. In light of that, it would be well to target Joey Bosa of the Chargers, another Bosa. Bosa is still a game-changer that needs to be factored into game plans, even though his injury has kept him from playing on the same level as his younger brother. Bosa will strengthen Indianapolis’ already strong defensive advantage and propel them forward.