The Indianapolis Colts typically shy away from blockbuster trades, preferring to build through the draft and selective acquisitions. However, NFL analyst Marissa Myers recently floated an intriguing scenario suggesting the Colts acquire superstar wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite already boasting a promising wide receiver corps with talents like Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and second-round pick Adonai Mitchell, Myers argues that adding a top-tier talent like Adams could significantly bolster the offense, particularly under the guidance of young quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Adams, aged 31, remains a formidable wideout, as evidenced by his impressive 2023 season stats of 103 receptions, 1,144 yards, and 8 touchdowns. However, concerns arise due to his age and the hefty financial implications of his contract. Adams is set to carry a massive $44.1 million cap hit in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, which presents a significant financial burden for a team like the Colts known for managing their salary cap cautiously.
While the Colts did make a splash with the acquisition of DeForest Buckner for a first-round pick, Buckner was 26 at the time and considered in his prime. Adams, approaching the twilight of his career, presents a different scenario where the financial commitment might not align with the Colts’ long-term strategy.
Myers suggests that for a trade to materialize, it would likely need to mirror the structure seen in Stefon Diggs’ move to the Buffalo Bills, where the team sent a future second-round pick and renegotiated the contract to create more favorable cap conditions.
Realistically, however, the Colts’ focus remains on developing their young receiving corps. Pittman has emerged as a reliable top option, while Downs and Mitchell show promise in providing depth and explosiveness to the offense. This strategy not only aligns with their current roster building philosophy but also ensures financial flexibility moving forward.
While the idea of Adams donning Colts colors is enticing for fans and could theoretically elevate the offense, the practicalities of salary cap management and long-term roster development suggest that such a move may not be in the cards for Indianapolis at this juncture.