The Indianapolis Colts have been in the market for a franchise-caliber quarterback ever since Andrew Luck retired. Facing the increasing likelihood of three quarterbacks coming off the board before Indianapolis is on the clock in the 2023 NFL Draft, a trade for Lamar Jackson becomes more viable for the franchise.
Indianapolis would prefer to find its next face of the franchise in the draft. Not only would it allow head coach Shane Steichen to develop a young quarterback, something he excels at, but it’s also the best way to build a roster.
Young passers on rookie contracts are a luxury, allowing an NFL franchise to spend more money on other positions while their quarterback has one of the lowest salaries at his position. Furthermore, drafting a potential star would be cheaper than trading multiple first-round picks for a proven NFL player.
However, the Colts aren’t in an ideal position. The Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans are expected to take quarterbacks with consecutive picks to start the 2023 NFL Draft, immediately removing two options for Indianapolis. With the Arizona Cardinals entertaining trade offers for the third overall pick and several quarterback-needy teams interested, there’s a realistic chance thee of the top players on the Colts’ target list are gone by the time the fourth pick is on the clock.
It puts Indianapolis in a challenging position. While it could settle for the quarterback that other teams viewed as an inferior prospect, that would suggest there’s a higher chance of the player not becoming the face of the Colts’ franchise. It’s why, as draft day draws closer, some believe trading for Jackson is still an option for Indianapolis.
NFL insider Charles Robinson explained on "You Pod to Win the Game" why he thinks there is still a chance Indianapolis is an option for Jackson during the 2023 NFL Draft.
“I do think Lamar could potentially factor into this draft. I don’t think it’s completely out of the realm of possibility that there is a team in that top five, specifically Indianapolis at number four. Where, depending on how Lamar wants to continue to approach the guaranteed money, that the Colts wouldn’t look at him.”
As Robinson importantly notes, it would come down to the guaranteed money Jackson wants. The former NFL MVP reportedly isn’t seeking a fully-guaranteed contract, but he does want to set an NFL record for total guaranteed dollars.
Colts owner Jim Irsay made it clear he doesn’t believe in fully-guaranteed contracts and his preference for a quarterback on a rookie contract makes acquiring Jackson less likely. However, Irsay is also desperate for a superstar, and his increasing involvement in football operations came after the Colts failed to make the playoffs in three of the last four seasons.
Jackson would provide Indianapolis with a superstar and Steichen could build an offense for the 26-year-old just as he did for Jalen Hurts. Just as importantly for Irsay, Jackson’s presence would generate more support locally and put the Colts on national television more often.
For now, Indianapolis is focused on hoping its top quarterback is available at the fourth pick. If all of the Colts’ top targets are off the board and Irsay believes he can sign Jackson to a long-term deal, Indianapolis could pull off one of the biggest trades in NFL history.
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