“Colts Eye First-Round Flop: Analyst Pushes Indy to Roll the Dice on Bills’ Disappointing Draft Bust!”
The Indianapolis Colts sit at 3-3 as they prepare to defend their home turf against the Miami Dolphins in Week 7. With the NFL trade deadline looming on November 5th, there’s still time to make necessary moves. While Colts GM Chris Ballard is unlikely to make any blockbuster deals, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has proposed a trade that could be ideal for Indianapolis—acquiring Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam.
Elam, a former first-round pick, has not lived up to expectations since being selected 23rd overall in 2022. Despite injuries creating opportunities, Elam never managed to secure consistent playing time under head coach Sean McDermott. Injured last season and now healthy, Elam has logged just 23 defensive snaps in 2024. Barnwell points out that Elam has struggled early in his NFL career, but at just 23 years old, he likely has his best football ahead of him. The Colts could benefit from adding Elam to a young secondary that includes Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and Sam Womack III, even if it’s primarily for depth.
Barnwell continues, suggesting that Indianapolis could take a chance on the 6-foot-1 Elam. With $1.3 million left on his 2024 salary and $2.6 million guaranteed for 2025, his contract isn’t too costly, but the Colts would need to evaluate whether he can become a regular on the active roster. They’d also need to make a decision on his fifth-year option after this season, adding some urgency.
Indianapolis has the cap space, currently 14th in the league with $11.1 million, and could afford Elam’s rookie contract. Elam, who plays mostly on the outside, could help bolster a Colts defense that’s been hit hard by injuries. The question remains what Indianapolis would have to give up for him.
If the Bills are open to a trade, the Colts might need to part with a day-three draft pick or something of similar value. Given Ballard’s preference to hold onto draft picks, it will be interesting to see if the Colts are willing to make such a move. With just over two weeks until the trade deadline, the Colts will need to act fast if they’re serious about Elam, as other teams could also be in play.
