Colts Named Landing Spot for Former Second-Round RB

The Indianapolis Colts were proposed as a potential landing spot for Philadelphia Eagles running back D'Andre Swift

Rumors have swirled around the Indianapolis Colts backfield for months because of the Jonathan Taylor situation. That doesn't appear to be changing.

In an article projecting the NFL's trade block "Big Board" heading into Week 2, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox named the Colts a potential trade destination for Philadelphia Eagles running back D'Andre Swift.

"The Indianapolis Colts would be a logical suitor, as their future with Jonathan Taylor remains cloudy at best," Knox wrote. "Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson played well in his Week 1 debut, but Indy's lead back for the day, Deon Jackson, averaged just 1.1 yards per carry."

Knox named the Baltimore Ravens as the other possible landing spot for Swift.

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The Eagles traded for Swift on the first night of the draft in April. One game might be a little too early for the Eagles to give up on Swift.

But Knox argued a trade is possible because the Eagles made no effort to make Swift part of their game plan in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Swift had 1 carry for 3 yards and 2 targets in the passing game. He caught 1 of his 2 targets for zero yards.

The Detroit Lions drafted Swift at No. 35 overall in the 2020 NFL draft. He appeared to be one of the top up-and-coming running backs in the league when he averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored 8 touchdowns as a rookie.

In 2021, he posted 617 rushing yards despite only starting four games. Last season, he averaged 5.5 yards per carry.

Despite those totals, the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall during the first round in April. Then, the Lions shipped Swift to the Eagles for a 2025 fourth-round pick. The deal also included the Lions and Eagles swapping 2023 seventh-round choices.

After the trade, some media pundits speculated that Swift's toughness was part of the reason the Lions traded him. On HBO's Hard Knox, Lions running back coach Duce Staley challenged Swift to have a more "dog mentality." 

Swift, though, expressed his displeasure with his portrayal on the show after the trade.

Without Taylor for at least three more weeks and Zack Moss banged up, the Colts could use any new blood in their backfield. Rookie running back Evan Hull is also dealing with an ailment and went on injured reserve this week.

Deon Jackson and Jake Funk are the two healthy backs on Indianapolis' roster. If Swift can be acquired for less compensation than what the Eagles gave Detroit for him in April, the Colts should seriously consider pursuing the fourth-year running back.

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