One trade, cut, signing the Indianapolis Colts should make

Despite losing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson in Week 4, the Indianapolis Colts rallied around backup Gardner Minshew and nearly snuck into the playoffs. With a healthy Richardson heading into a new season, Indy's goal should be surrounding the 21-year-old QB with as much talent as possible.

Here are three moves the Colts should make that could help push them over the edge into playoff contender status.

TRADE: 2024 fifth-round pick to Buffalo Bills for TE Dawson Knox

Though he missed some games in 2023, Knox is still a valuable tight end in the right environment. The 27-year-old was passed by 2023 first-round pick Dalton Kincaid as the Bills’ top tight end, but a change of scenery might be just what he needs to get back on track.

The Colts need a true No. 1 security blanket tight end for Richardson to rely on, similar to how Peyton Manning had Dallas Clark or Andrew Luck had Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron. Knox was targeted 50 or more times in three of his first five seasons, and he totaled 500 yards or more twice while scoring 22 touchdowns. Pairing him with running back Jonathan Taylor plus receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce would give Richardson a strong complement of weapons.

CUT: TE Mo Alie-Cox

Alie-Cox has been in Indianapolis for six years, and he’s never had more than 31 receptions or 394 yards in any of those seasons. He’s played in nearly every game since 2019, yet he’s been outplayed by the likes of Kylen Granson, Will Mallory and Jelani Woods. Parting ways with the 30-year-old TE would save Indy nearly $6 million and free up a roster spot for another, more accomplished tight end to replace him.

SIGNING: DT Chris Jones

With $73.9M in cap space (fifth-most in the NFL), the Colts have cash to burn and a huge need at defensive tackle. Jones had an excellent year with the Chiefs in 2023, but they have just under $10M in cap space and likely can’t afford to keep Jones and pay him the money he wants without having to gut their roster. Conversely, the Colts have the funds available to pay him in the Quinnen Williams ($24M per year), Jeffery Simmons ($23.5M per year) and Daron Payne ($22.5M per year) range.

Indy needs help along the defensive front, specifically at defensive tackle. Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye are solid edge rushers, and DeForest Buckner is a great DT in his own right, but Jones is elite. We’re talking top-four or five at his position. Pairing him and Buckner with defensive ends like Ebukam, Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis would give the Colts the top defensive line in their division and arguably the AFC.