New Colts Rumors on Potential Trade Plans at 2026 Deadline After Firing GM Chris Ballard

After Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard was fired on Monday, the team reportedly could be forced to ship away some key players.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that "rival teams believe Indianapolis will be open for business" ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in her statement after firing Ballard, "We have a lot of football in front of us, and I expect us to compete, improve and win football games." However, the team has a tough slate with upcoming matchups against the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys.

Fowler pointed out, "If Indy can find a way to steal two wins in that slate, perhaps that affects trade plans. But this iteration of the Colts does not look poised for upsets, so perhaps change is inevitable."

The Colts have multiple key players on contracts that expire at the end of the season, including offensive lineman Quenton Nelson, defensive linemen DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, and wide receivers Josh Downs and Keenan Allen. Indianapolis gave up its 2027 first-round pick in last year's trade to acquire cornerback Sauce Gardner, so the team could look to recoup some draft capital by trading its veterans.

"What Indianapolis does with Nelson will be fascinating," Fowler stated. "He's a legacy Colt, a 2018 first-round draft pick and frequent All-Pro. But the team did not aggressively pursue an extension this summer, and rarely do premier O-linemen become available at the deadline. Also, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery is a name to watch."