Does inactive trade deadline signal Colts are preparing to extend some crucial players?

After prized rookie Anthony Richardson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery, the Indianapolis Colts stumbled into the trade deadline with a record of 3-5. Although there had been rumblings of a few players being dealt on Tuesday, general manager Chris Ballard and his staff ultimately elected to stand pat with the group they had. 

While the Colts aren’t expected to compete for a playoff spot in 2023, the decision to hold onto a group of players with expiring contracts is a telling one of what’s to come. With several valuable players either headed out the door or requiring new deals, it seems Indianapolis could be preparing to spend some serious cash.

Two players with expiring contracts the Colts fielded offers for were RB Zack Moss and CB Kenny Moore II. Moss has amassed the second-most rushing yards in the NFL, but teams seemed to think Indianapolis would sell low given his status as the team’s RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor. Moore has been the undisputed leader of the Colts’ young DB room, and the team was in no hurry to let him go.

Still a contender?

The Colts’ unwillingness to get a deal done seems to signify that they believe in their ability to be contenders this year and beyond. On a day where non-playoff teams often accept lowball offers to get some return on expiring contracts, Ballard showed faith that his group could continue to be competitive. 

Time for a payday

If his efforts are to be worthwhile, the Colts may be getting ready to wrap up their players with extensions. Moore, DT Grover Stewart, WR Michael Pittman Jr., and Moss are among a handful of Colts who are due for paydays. It wouldn’t be prudent for the team to hold onto them for the rest of this season (where the playoffs are a long shot), only to let them go in free agency in a few months. 

The Colts will have more than enough room under the salary cap next season to lock that group up long-term. Their nearly $63 million in space next year is good for eighth in the league. The four above players will likely demand significant deals, but Indianapolis has plenty of room to hang on to them.

Based on the behavior of the Colts at the trade deadline, we can expect a stream of extensions to be announced over the next several months. As the Colts work their way back into contention, they’ll need the help of a few crucial players with expiring contracts.