Things are about to get a lot worse for Colts after trade deadline

The Indianapolis Colts are already in the middle of a disastrous season, but things could get even uglier before the franchise returns to contention.

After falling to 2-6 with a 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts appeared ready to make significant changes ahead of the NFL trade deadline. They had several valuable veterans who could have brought back draft capital, giving the organization an opportunity to begin building for the future.

Instead, Indianapolis entered the deadline with more questions than answers.

The Colts moved early, trading defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and offensive guard Quenton Nelson to NFC West teams. However, the franchise ultimately held onto quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor, despite both generating trade interest.

Indianapolis made additional moves on deadline day, sending Josh Downs away for fourth- and fifth-round picks and acquiring a sixth-round selection in a second deal with San Francisco involving Keenan Allen. Those returns hardly represent the kind of draft capital necessary to jump-start a rebuild.

The Colts sold off too much of their roster without receiving enough in return. They also face a significant challenge finding their next head coach, with interim general manager Ed Dodds now overseeing a roster that needs considerable work.

Why it's only going to get worse for the Indianapolis Colts

The situation is particularly concerning because Indianapolis has already surrendered its 2027 first-round pick to the New York Jets in last year's trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner. That leaves the Colts without the most valuable asset typically available to a rebuilding team.

Taylor's situation only adds to the uncertainty. Indianapolis reportedly wanted a first-round selection for the star running back, but the market never produced an offer that met its asking price. Taylor's contract runs through 2028, making him more than a potential rental for a contender. However, keeping him on a struggling team does little to address the franchise's long-term needs.

The Colts also suffered another frustrating defeat against the Dallas Cowboys, falling 27-23 despite having opportunities to win. Dallas outgained Indianapolis 508-271, exposing just how far the team has fallen. Taylor finished with 13 carries for an average of 3.5 yards per attempt and lost a fumble in the fourth quarter.

There are some reasons for optimism. Young defenders such as Adetomiwa Adebawore, Hunter Wohler, Bryce Boettcher, CJ Allen and Caden Curry have shown potential. Seventh-round running back Seth McGowan also provided a glimpse of what he could bring to the offense.

But developing young players is only one part of rebuilding a franchise. Indianapolis still needs to identify its next head coach, establish a long-term plan at quarterback and find a way to replenish a roster that has lost several important contributors.

The Colts had an opportunity to make the most of the trade deadline and collect valuable assets for the future. Instead, they appear stuck between competing and rebuilding, without the draft capital or roster strength to do either particularly well.

A difficult season was always going to bring changes. The problem is that Indianapolis may have made its situation worse without doing enough to make the future any brighter.