The Indianapolis Colts have been one of the biggest surprises in the 2025 NFL season. After missing the playoffs the last four years and struggling to be better than a team around .500, Indy heads into Week 8 with a league-best 6-1 record. Their red-hot start has been led by an offense averaging the most points in the league.
While they have one of the best offensive units in the NFL, their defense has struggled against the pass. They need to make upgrades if they really want to be a title contender. And according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Colts are “viewed around the league as a team to watch” before the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
If this is the year that general manager Chris Ballard pivots from being ultra-conservative before the deadline, here are six players they could target to address their pass rush and pass coverage issues soon.
Alontae Taylor, CB, New Orleans Saints
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Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
After being inconsistent since entering the league in 2022, New Orleans Saints corner Alontae Taylor is having his best year as a pro. He has a good frame, plays physical, and just feels like a good fit for the scheme of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The Saints are in sell mode after starting the season 1-5. With Taylor set to become a free agent after this season, he could be had for a couple of Day 3 draft picks.
Jaelan Phillips, LB, Miami Dolphins
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Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
After falling to 0-7 last week, the Miami Dolphins will surely be in trade mode, and there have already been trade rumors about former first-round pick Jaelan Phillips. The 26-year-old has dealt with injury issues during his five seasons in the league. However, when healthy, he is a high-impact pass rusher out of the linebacker spot. He is in the final year of his rookie pact. Meaning he is a rental and should come at a reasonable rate.
Rasul Douglas, CB, Miami Dolphins
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Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Journeyman cornerback Rasul Douglas signed with the Miami Dolphins late in August and has ended up being, arguably, their best defensive back this season. The nine-year veteran is a proven ball hawk who has been a meaningful part of winning teams. He is the sort of player the Colts could use, and he can be acquired for a fifth-round pick.
L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Tennessee Titans
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Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The Tennessee Titans are another team starting to look at the possibility of getting a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That means many of their well-paid veterans will be available. While he has not made the impact hoped for when they gave him a four-year deal last year, former Kansas City Chiefs star L’Jarius Sneed should be on the Colts’ wish list. He has never been a Pro Bowler, but was a key part of two Super Bowl-winning defenses and is exactly the type of player Indianapolis needs in their secondary.
Jermaine Johnson, LB, New York Jets
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Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Several New York Jets players have been linked to NFL trade rumors in recent weeks, including 2022 first-round pick Jermaine Johnson. The one-time Pro Bowler is a gifted pass rusher off the EDGE when healthy, and he is locked into another season. While he missed much of 2024 due to injuries and three games this year, his upside makes him worth giving up a third or fourth rounder before the deadline.
Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
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Cam Taylor-Britt has a history with Lou Anarumo after working together for three seasons in Cincinnati. And the CB proved in those years that he was a great fit for the coach’s system. While he should be at the top of the Colts’ wish list, the big issue could be the Bengals’ feeling that they have gotten back in the playoff chase in Week 7 and not wanting to move any key defensive players before the trade deadline.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos