With the NFL trade deadline approaching, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has proposed 12 trade ideas that could benefit both sides, including one for the Indianapolis Colts.
Barnwell suggests that the Colts strengthen their cornerback depth by trading for former first-round pick Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills. In this scenario, the Colts would receive Elam in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Selected 23rd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Elam played 570 snaps in his rookie season but was limited to 210 snaps in 2023 due to a foot injury. This season, he’s barely seen the field, with just 23 defensive snaps. Over his career, Elam has made 69 of 76 tackle attempts and allowed 45 receptions on 64 targets (70.3%) for an average of 11.8 yards per catch, along with four interceptions and two pass breakups, according to Pro Football Focus.
Barnwell notes, “Taken No. 23 in 2022, he appears to be a rare miss on the defensive side for Bills GM Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott. Despite opportunities, he hasn’t convinced McDermott he deserves regular playing time.”
The Colts would assume Elam’s contract, which has him earning $1.3 million for the rest of 2024 and $2.6 million in 2025, fully guaranteed.
While Colts cornerbacks Kenny Moore, Sam Womack, and Jaylon Jones have been solid, depth remains a concern. Despite the need, a trade seems unlikely as the Colts have opted not to make any major additions to the position so far this season, suggesting they may remain inactive at the deadline.
