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The Indianapolis Colts aren’t exactly a team known for blockbuster trades. Chris Ballard’s front office has built its reputation on patience, development, and draft picks, not splashy moves.
But right now, something feels different.
After a dominant Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Colts suddenly look like a team ready to take the next step. And the whispers around Indianapolis suggest they might not be done adding pieces.
And if those whispers prove true, the name every Colts fan should keep an eye on is Maxx Crosby.
Why Maxx Crosby Makes So Much Sense
GettyRaiders DE Maxx Crosby
It’s not hard to connect the dots. The Raiders are spiraling at 1-4 under Pete Carroll and in desperate need of draft capital. Geno Smith is not their answer.
The Colts, meanwhile, are 4-1 with an identity built on physicality, balance, and youth. In fact, they are a team that looks one elite pass rusher away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
That’s where Crosby enters the conversation.
The 27 year old defensive end is in his prime and playing at the absolute peak of his powers. He’s one of the few defenders in football capable of changing a game by himself.
And with Las Vegas showing no signs of being competitive anytime soon, his timeline doesn’t exactly match theirs.
He’s not asking out (at least not yet). But for a player this driven, the idea of joining a contender sooner rather than later might start to sound appealing.
What a Trade Could Mean for the Colts
GettyColts QB Daniel Jones
On paper, the Colts already look the part of a rising AFC power. Shane Steichen’s offense has found its rhythm, and Daniel Jones is taking the NFL by storm.
Defensively, though, there’s one missing piece. Adding Crosby to a front that already features DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and rookie standout Laiatu Latu would instantly give Indianapolis one of the scariest defensive lines in football.
If you’re wondering what this would cost, think expensive, like at least two first round picks, possibly more. A recent comparison would be the Micah Parsons deal, which cost multiple firsts and a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
The Colts probably wouldn’t include a starter, but they’d have to be willing to pay in draft capital. That’s a steep price. But it’s the kind of move that signals a franchise is done waiting.
Let’s be clear: Maxx Crosby hasn’t demanded a trade. There’s no report saying the Raiders are shopping him. This is speculation, but it’s speculation that makes football sense.
Crosby deserves to compete for something meaningful. The Colts have built the infrastructure, the culture, and the quarterback to make a run. All that’s missing is a closer, a game-wrecker who can finish drives and seasons.
It’s not Ballard’s usual move. But this version of the Colts feels like it’s built for something bigger.
And if that “something bigger” ends up being Maxx Crosby in a horseshoe helmet, the entire AFC might need to start paying attention.
Garrett Klaus Garrett Klaus is a contributor at Heavy.com, where he covers the NFL with a focus on detailed analysis, real-time reporting, and in-depth coverage of the Colts, Panthers, Jaguars, and Falcons. He is also a Kansas Jayhawks football and basketball writer ON SI and covers the Falcons and Panthers for FanSided.
Garrett’s journey in football media began by writing NFL scripts for popular YouTube channels like BLITZ and SheGotSports. He later expanded into written journalism with Football Analysis and Heavy Sports.
Whether he’s creating content for a video audience or a sports publication, Garrett brings clarity, depth, and a genuine appreciation for the game. His work reflects a passion for football that fuels every piece he produces.
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