NFL Trade Rumors: Would Indianapolis Colts Trade Reggie Wayne or Robert Mathis?

The Indianapolis Colts are currently 0-6 and with quarterback Peyton Manning sidelined the team has virtually no shot at turning things around this season. With Tuesday's NFL trade deadline fast approaching, speculation has emerged that Indianapolis could look to move some of its more valuable players in an effort to help rebuild the roster. Don't expect that to happen.

Wide receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive end Robert Mathis have both been rumored to be on the trading block, but that doesn't mean either guy will end up moving.

Despite their record, the Colts believe that with Manning healthy they could be a solid team and possibly a playoff contender. But this season is almost certainly a lost cause, and both Mathis and Wayne are set to be free agents this offseason. It is unlikely the Colts could afford to place the franchise tag on either guy for 2012 because Manning is taking up so much salary cap space.

Wayne will turn 33 next month and could be on the decline physically. While you can't really look at his numbers from this season and downgrade him because of the Colts' muddled quarterback situation, his production is down a tick, and fellow receiver Pierre Garcon has gotten better.

Through six games this year, the 30-year-old Mathis has 3.5 sacks and is still a solid option at defensive end. The Colts could get something for him before possibly losing him this offseason.

Despite those reasons, I just don't see the Colts shipping away two of their franchise's best players midseason. Certainly Manning wouldn't be happy with Wayne being shipped away, and losing Mathis would only further damage an already weak front seven. 

The Colts will almost surely hang on to both guys and try to re-sign them in the offseason.