Commanders should steal these 2 Colts if Indy sells at trade deadline

The Washington Commanders’ win over the Indianapolis Colts might’ve forced general manager Chris Ballard into selling before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

The Colts entered the year with lofty expectations after an aggressive offseason that saw them swap Matt Ryan for Carson Wentz at quarterback and sign Stephon Gilmore to solidify their already-talented defense. Some analysts even pegged them as Super Bowl contenders.

The first eight games of 2022 have proven that nothing is won in the offseason. Just ask the Chargers about that. The Colts were once again swept by the Titans, their foremost competition for the AFC South crown, and they benched Matt Ryan for the rest of the year for second-year QB Sam Ehlinger.

After their 17-16 loss to the Commanders, Indy has no reason not to become sellers before today’s 4 p.m. EST deadline. In fact, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday night that the Colts have received calls on Nyheim Hines and the expectation is the running back will get dealt.

Could that open the flood gates for a fire sale?

Potentially, but Colts fans are definitely behind the idea of trading players that won’t be around in a year or two. With that in mind, let’s highlight some expendable players the Commanders should try to poach from their latest opponent before the buzzer sounds on the ’22 deadline.

2 players the Commanders should steal from the Colts

Bobby Okereke, LB

Okereke has turned himself into a quality starting linebacker. Ideally, Indianapolis would like to extend him, but they’ve already invested a ton of money into the position after they signed Shaquille Leonard to a five-year, $99.25 million contract, including $52.5 million guaranteed, in the offseason.

A third round pick out of Standofrd in 2019, Okereke is in the final year of his contract and will become a free agent in March.

While Okereke is in the midst of his best season as a pro — he’s second on the team in tackles, passes defended and third in tackles for loss to go with a 84.6 run defense grade from PFF — Indy has insurance behind him with E.J. Speed and Zaire Franklin exceeding expectations in Gus Bradley’s defense.

While Jamin Davis’ development is coming along nicely, Cole Holcomb’s foot injury leaves Washington bereft at linebacker. Acquiring Okereke would give Jack Del Rio three capable linebackers, which would mean less playing time for David Mayo and Jon Bostic, and take a lot off Kam Curl’s plate.

Stephon Gilmore, CB

It wouldn’t shock anybody if William Jackson’s played his last snap for Washington. While teams have inquired about the veteran corner, but ESPN’s John Keim shared they haven’t received “legit offers” and teams are waiting to see if the Commanders simply cut Jackson.

It’s not like Ron Rivera to strike a blockbuster mid-season trade, but poaching Gilmore from Indianapolis would anchor an improving secondary. Rachad Wildgoose, whose earned more playing time after Jackson’s benching/back injury, has come back down to earth after a hot start (two bad penalties the last two games).

Unless Commanders fans want to see Danny Johnson again, Gilmore makes a ton of sense as a rest-of-season rental. Through eight games, Gilmore’s allowing less than a 60% completion rate and just a 75.0 passer rating when targeted.

The player in coverage on Terry McLaurin’s game-saving catch on Sunday, don’t be surprised if Gilmore’s moved before 4 p.m. EST Tuesday.