Andrew Luck: 10 NFL Teams That Should Trade with the Indianapolis Colts

This topic has been done to death.  

One thing you don't see much of, however, is anyone approaching it from the perspective of a true Indy fan with faith that No. 18 will be back to form under center next season.

In order for another team to tempt the Colts for Luck, they'd have to propose the kind of trade more often seen in the NHL and NBA than the ones we're used to in the NFL.   

Now trust me, I know the argument can be made that, if this season has taught the Colts one lesson, it's that they need to prepare for the near reality that Peyton Manning won't be around to ride in on a blue and white horse to save the day.  

That's for another slideshow.  

My faith in The Sheriff stands strong, and I think there are other teams who need Andy Luck a lot more than Indy does.   

It's important to note that the lists I've included are individual suggestions to be packaged with picks; I'm not suggesting they all be moved to Indianapolis.   

I submit, for your approval—or, most likely, disapproval:

The Top 10 Teams That Should Trade Up For Andrew Luck

Cleveland Browns

As it stands now, Colt McCoy isn't getting the job done for the Browns. True, he's still young, but with a sure-fire player like Luck on the horizon, it's foolish not to capitalize. 

To Indy:  

Joe Thomas (T): Indy needs to get Peyton Manning more time. Thomas is on pace to have a Hall of Fame career protecting a sub-par QB. A great addition to Indy's offensive line.

Joe Haden (CB): Indy hasn't done anything well this season, so it's admittedly difficult to isolate how to stop the bleeding. A great place to start is strengthening their pass defense with an exceptional CB like Joe Haden.

Peyton Hillis (RB): I think one of Cleveland's best bets at getting Luck is finding a way to package Peyton Hillis for the first overall pick. Joe Addai clearly isn't getting the job done, and Delone Carter has a long way to go.  

Colt McCoy (QB): He's still young, but he definitely has flashes of brilliance. Inconsistency is cured by time and coaching, and McCoy has a lot of potential. Let him learn from one of the best in the business for a few seasons, and he'll be ready to make a real explosion.

Not to mention he doesn't look like a dirty hippy like Curtis Painter. Automatic points.   

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are in a similar position as Cleveland.  Promising young QB, great RB, but no time.  Now I have no hopes of Adrian Peterson coming to Indianapolis, so I'm not going to even bother, but any of the following could be packaged with what should be a high first-round pick for Minny to make a move on Luck.  

To Indy:

Christian Ponder (QB): Ponder almost reminds me of Luck, but obviously with less raw talent. Ponder can move, throw and see the field pretty well. The only problem is, like Colt McCoy and a fine wine, he's needs to mature. Sending a talent like Ponder to Indy would give him the time he needs, access to Manning's tutelage and give Indy some hope for the future. He's also not a dirty hippy. 

Toby Gerhart (RB): Gerhart hasn't necessarily proved his worth at the NFL level, but he's also still young. He'd definitely need to be packaged with high picks or a better player, but Indy could certainly use some depth in the backfield.  

Steve Hutchinson (G): As one of the top guards in the league, he could definitely do his part giving Manning that extra all-important second in the pocket. 

Seattle Seahawks

As much as I'd hate to admit it, the Seahawks look pretty good. With Pete Carrol behind the bench and a sleeper defense, all the Seahawks need is a reliable QB like Andrew Luck to really stir the pot. This is admittedly a tough one though, as Seattle could also make a move for Matt Barkley.  

To Indy:

Marshawn Lynch (RB): Lynch is a good back. Inconsistent? Absolutely, but he would definitely be an asset on a team as weak in the backfield as the Colts. If Lynch were to be paired with the presumably high pick Seattle will have in the first round, they might be able to get Jim Irsay's attention.  Honestly, though, it'll probably take more than just that.  

Spin:

While there are undoubtedly more players on the 'Hawks that could attract the Colts' attention, chances are they'd have to deal with a third team for picks in order to make a real run at Luck.  

San Diego Chargers

I have a hard time articulating how truly happy it makes me to see Philip Rivers fail. Whether he's hit a speed bump this season or not, it looks like it's time for Big Philly Style to move on.  

This one is less clear cut, as San Diego would have to make multiple moves to get rid of Rivers in order to make room for Luck, but there are a few players on the Chargers that Indy could undoubtedly utilize.

To Indy:

Ryan Matthews (RB): The young back has explosions of brilliance, then gets injured. That just seems to be the nature of his game. The brilliance, however, is there. He could be a huge asset to Indianapolis.  

Vincent Jackson (WR): While Indy isn't necessarily desperate for wideouts, it's tough to ignore a talent like V-Jax. An underwhelming season in San Diego could prompt a change.    

Shaun Phillips (LB):  Phillips is a beast, and Indy clearly needs help on the defensive side of the ball. Freeney and Mathis need help desperately.  

Spin:

Obviously, this one is far more speculative than the rest, as there would most likely have to be multiple-team deals involved to present picks to Indy, but it's definitely a good option.  

New York Jets

As a former believer, after his performance this season, I have no choice but to conclude that Mark Sanchez S-U-C-K, sucks, sucks, sucks.  

It's really too bad considering how well built the rest of the team is, other than maybe at the RB position. I do have to admit, though, that each time Sanchez and the Jets made it to the AFC Finals, I couldn't help but think they were playing on borrowed time. Sanchez just isn't skilled enough to take this team to the promised land.

Now, before all you Jets fans grab your pitchforks and light your torches, can you imagine Andrew Luck plugged in at QB? That's what I thought. Down, boy.  

To Indy:

Antonio Cromartie (CB): Crow hasn't been stellar for the Jets this season, but it's hard for him to show any kind of flash with Revis stealing all the spotlight on the opposite sideline. He's great in man coverage and plays with attitude; just the kind of player the Colts need to fill the gaping holes in their secondary.  

Shonn Greene (RB): Despite many conflicting perspectives, I've never believed that Greene is a top-15 RB, but he's definitely a tank. He's wouldn't be a savior for Indy's pitiful run game, but he'd definitely be a step up. 

D'Brickashaw Ferguson (OT): Anyone who's familiar with the Jets knows that Furgeson is a huge key to their offensive production—though nothing to brag about this year. One of the best O-Linemen on any team, he'd give the Colts a huge boost.  

Spin:

The Jets would obviously have to deal Sanchez to clear space for Luck and to have picks to offer Indy.  A big question is how much any other team is willing to give for the floundering QB.

Denver Broncos

I've been a notorious Tebow critic. After seeing him pull off another win against the Jets, however, I have to admit there's something to this kid.  

What I won't give up on is the fact that in the offseason, teams will have nothing but time to get wise to his act. Denver is going to have to do something big in order to stay competitive. Dealing off Orton for some picks and keeping Tebow as a backup to mature, I think the Luck-Tebow tandem could be a serious force to be reckoned with.   

To Indy:

Champ Bailey (CB): Bailey is still a champ. See what I did there? Despite his age, Champ Bailey still gets the job done and would be an excellent addition to a needy Colts team.  

Knowshon Moreno (RB): Moreno has a notoriously bad hammy and is by no means the answer to the Colts run game. That doesn't, however, mean that he couldn't contribute.  

Spin:

The biggest problem I have with this slide is that the Broncos don't have a ton of what Indy is looking for. Maybe Bailey paired with both the Broncos first-round pick and the pick they got for Brandon Lloyd, but even still, it might not be worth what they could get elsewhere.  

Dallas Cowboys

This is playing with fire, if fire were a bunch of moody Cowboy fans.  

It's also a risky call writing off Romo after the highlight-filled game he had against Buffalo, but considering he's the definition of inconsistency, it's safe to assume it won't last. 

Also, before all you 'Boys fans jump down my throat, try to remember a few weeks ago when you and your buddies were assembling a mob to head over to Romo's house.  Luck would be a welcome change.  

To Indy:

Miles Austin (WR): This hasn't been a great season for him (trust me, he's on my fantasy team). He's had a few huge games, but injuries and what seems to be some wavering chemistry with Romo would make him good trade bait for that coveted first overall pick.  

DeMarco Murray (RB): If you saw you saw this guy coming, you're either a liar or a psychic. Without listing a bunch of stats and predictions, I'm just going to say this young talent would be a fantastic addition to the Colt's backfield.  

Spin: 

They've gotta shake Romo. I think he would do extremely well in a Ravens or Seahawks uniform myself, and both of those teams would be willing to part with picks to entice Indy.  

Miami Dolphins

It's no secret the Miami Dolphins desperately need a quarterback. Matt Moore just isn't good enough, and Chad Henne...well, just isn't good enough. If they're going to entice Indy, they're going to need to offer up their own high first-round pick and some serious talent.  

To Indy:

Brandon Marshall (WR): Marshall hasn't been the stud Miami was hoping for. Don't get me wrong, he's played well for them, but he's not going to usher them to a winning season without a QB that can get him the ball.  

Jake Long (OT): Long is one of the best tackles in the game. As I've said before, the Colts need to reinforce their line, and Long would literally be an enormous addition.  

Vontae Davis (CB): Davis is a great CB. Again, not by any means going save the Colts secondary, but would definitely be a solid addition.  

Spin:

Marshall's productivity is primarily based on the arm behind the ball (aren't I a genius?), so I doubt Miami would be willing to part with him just as Luck arrives. Names like Long and Davis would clearly have to be paired with a number of high picks in order to make this one work.  

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are a QB away from being phenomenal. It's hard to figure out not who they could, but who they would want to part with in order to get a pick like Luck. The impact he could have on this team would definitely be worth it.   

To Indy:

Ed Reed (S): Since the quick downfall of Bob Sanders, the Colts have needed a difference-making safety. Ed Reed has that in spades. Hands down one of the top safeties in the league, Ed Reed would make a perfect addition to any secondary.  

Terrell Suggs (LB): Imagine how Suggs could compliment Mathis and Freeney. He would be a huge lift in the box for Indy.  

Spin:

I can't imagine Baltimore ever giving up either of these players.  Though after losing to teams like Jacksonville and Seattle, they need to consider some drastic moves. While a move as drastic as it would take to nab Luck may be a little dramatic, the results would surely be spectacular. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Even if Matt Cassel weren't injured, the Chiefs would still need a QB like Luck.  

I happen to think that Cassel is actually a pretty decent back, but in terms of a superstar on this team, Luck would fit in perfectly. Having Luck throw to a talent like Dwayne Bowe would be lights out on any defense.  

To Indy:

Jamaal Charles (RB): The Colts would absolutely love to get their hands on a tailback like Jamaal Charles. Who wouldn't? With healthy Charles, Manning would be able to have a true threat on first down and a reason for defenses to fear the play-action. Huge gain for Indy.  

Eric Berry (S): Another playmaking safety that could fill the void left by Bob Sanders. Despite being out on the IR, a healthy Berry could mean big things for the Indy secondary.   

Matt Cassel (QB): Cassel going over to Indy could also ultimately help them in the long run. While Cassel certainly isn't getting any younger, he'd clearly be a better alternative than hippy-hair Painter.  

Spin:

Cassel can't take the Chiefs to the Super Bowl. Andrew Luck can. They'll have to give up some big names and high picks to get him, but it would be a huge advantage for both teams in the long run.