Colts Floated as Potential Trade Destination for $160 Million Star

A senior NFL writer names the Indianapolis Colts as a possible landing spot for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:48pm

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The Indianapolis Colts were previously close to signing former Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, but he ended up signing with the Baltimore Ravens instead. Now, according to a senior NFL writer, the Colts could attempt to acquire one of the best EDGE rushers in the league, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, in a trade if the Browns' proposed rule change allowing teams to trade draft picks 3-5 years in the future is approved.

Why it matters

The Colts were 30th in pass rush win rate last season and have been seeking to upgrade their defensive front seven this offseason. Acquiring a dominant pass rusher like Garrett could significantly improve their defense and make them a stronger contender in the AFC.

The details

The Browns have recently proposed a rule change that would allow teams to trade draft picks from 3 to 5 years ahead. If this rule is approved, it could benefit the Colts, who don't have a first-round selection for the next two drafts. There have been rumors that Garrett is available on the trade block, which the Browns have denied, but the situation could change. Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr believes the Colts could be a potential landing spot for Garrett if the rule change goes through, as the team is clearly looking to upgrade its pass rush.

  • The Browns proposed the rule change allowing teams to trade draft picks 3-5 years in the future.
  • The Colts were previously close to signing Trey Hendrickson before he opted to join the Ravens.

The players

Myles Garrett

A star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns who broke the NFL single-season sack record last season with 23 sacks. He has not recorded fewer than 14 sacks in a season since 2020.

Trey Hendrickson

A former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end who the Colts were previously close to signing before he opted to join the Baltimore Ravens.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon

The owner of the Indianapolis Colts.

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What they’re saying

“Let's imagine for a second that the Browns' rule proposal of extending tradable draft picks out to five years is tied to their desire to deal Garrett. Which teams would that most reasonably impact in terms of potential suitors for him? The Colts do not have first-round picks in this year's draft or next year's, thanks to the Sauce Gardner move, and are clearly enamored with the current roster—enough so that signing Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce to big deals made sense to them. If you're Carlie Irsay-Gordon, what is another two years of draft capital at this point if the return is a player who could actually turn the Colts into a contender?”

— Conor Orr, Senior NFL Writer

What’s next

The NFL owners will need to approve the Browns' proposed rule change allowing teams to trade draft picks 3-5 years in the future. If the rule is approved, it could open the door for the Colts to pursue a trade for Myles Garrett.

The takeaway

The Colts have been actively seeking to upgrade their defensive front seven this offseason, and the opportunity to acquire a dominant pass rusher like Myles Garrett could be a game-changer for their defense and their chances of contending in the AFC. However, any potential trade would hinge on the approval of the Browns' proposed rule change.