The Indianapolis Colts have the foundation of their roster for the upcoming season, but there are still plenty of moves to be made.
General manager Chris Ballard has always talked about keeping an eye on various situations to improve the roster or future draft capital when the opportunity presents itself.
As Anthony Richardson enters the second year of his career following a four-start rookie campaign, he will have veteran Joe Flacco behind him in the quarterback room. It's a solid pairing for Shane Steichen's offense.
In listing potential trades each team could make before Week 1, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay suggests the Colts move on from the veteran in order to add some draft capital.
In Kay's proposal, the Colts would send Flacco and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
"The 39-year-old joined the Indianapolis Colts this offseason to back up Anthony Richardson, but the club also has fourth-year veteran Sam Ehlinger on hand for those duties," Kay wrote. "Factor in the strong play of undrafted rookie Jason Bean, who was a breakout success during the preseason, and the Colts may just be willing to clear their QB logjam by trading Flacco to the Windy City."
With respect to Kay, it would be an unwise move for the Colts to consider a deal like this. The emergence of Bean as a preseason hero is fun, but he's far from ready to take over backup duties in an actual NFL game.
Meanwhile, Ehlinger has shown he's better suited as a QB3 than he is as a spot starter. Having Flacco ready in an emergency still gives the Colts a higher upside option given his affinity for throwing downfield.
The Colts got some solid play out of Gardner Minshew last season, but the offense's ceiling was limited due to his conservative nature.
Flacco is the ideal backup for the Colts considering he can help Richardson develop while giving Indy a viable starting option in case he's needed.
MORE COLTS
NFL coach says 'everybody is scared to death' of Colts' Anthony Richardson
Colts reveal initial 53-man roster
Colts could claim Vikings defensive tackle off waivers
