The Indianapolis Colts sit alone at the top of the AFC South, AFC, and NFL rankings with a league-best 6-1 record. It’s been a fantastic season, and the team is coming off arguably their most impressive win of the year in Week 7. The Colts’ offense flat-out dominated the Los Angeles Chargers on the road, and if anyone was doubting this team before, my guess is they are really quiet today.
It would be a massive missed opportunity if the Colts didn’t find a way to capitalize on their early-season success . While their offense dominated the Chargers in Week 7, their defense left much to be desired. The team’s two most significant needs are corner and edge rusher. The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Colts need to scour the market to find an upgrade at at least one of these positions. One option at edge that the Colts should seriously consider is New Orleans Saints’ Carl Granderson.
Trey Benson with a huge run but check out Carl Granderson hitting 19.13 MPH to make the tackle pic.twitter.com/aUpjbyv8OM
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 7, 2025
Carl Granderson looked like the Saints’ best defensive player to start the year
Granderson was quite clearly the best defensive lineman for New Orleans for the first month of play. He’s struggled a bit over the past couple of games and recorded one of the lowest PFF grades of any Saints defender in Week 7. That being said, he is the best edge player for the Saints at setting the edge and keeping a quarterback contained. With that, he also makes the most consistent plays in the run game as well. His play has become notably more balanced since his career began with the Saints. Back then, his pass rush prowess got him on the field, but now, he’s relied upon constantly for the DL in New Orleans.
Carl Granderson is the best player on the #Saints DL (maybe on the field?) and watching him work is FUN. His understanding of the game has grown so much.
He’s the end man, watch him crash on the pulling guard to close inside as Davis/Warner scrape the outside. Makes tackle.
pic.twitter.com/1mW4uhdYra — RevDeuce (@RevDeuceWindham) September 16, 2025
Why the Saints could trade Carl Granderson
Moving off of Granderson makes sense for New Orleans simply because the return will be better than most of their other options to ship out amidst another frustrating season. Granderson continues to improve and leads the team in sacks with 4.5. That being said, I do think his ceiling is a bit limited compared to the price tag on him with his contract. If New Orleans gets the right offer, moving off Granderson may be the best play for the future of the DL and overall unit.
Why Carl Granderson makes sense to be a target for the Colts ahead of the NFL trade deadline
The Colts have disrupters on the line in Laiatu Latu and DeForest Buckner. They need another consistent pass rusher on the opposite edge. The Saints are 1-6 on the year and look far away from being a team that can be competitive on Sundays. They should certainly be sellers at the deadline, and Granderson seems like the best Colts fit on their roster. Granderson has 4.5 sacks so far this season and recorded each in the first four weeks. Since then, teams have sent a lot of attention his way to take him out of games and force other Saints players to beat them.
That wouldn’t be the case for Granderson if he were to be traded to Indy. He wouldn’t be my first choice, but he would be a clear upgrade for the Colts. Another enticing part about Granderson is how his contract is set up. He is owed less than one million the rest of this year, and would have a cap hit of only $12.75 million over the next two years, with the team being able to move on after 2026 if the team wanted to for any reason. Because of the low Cal hit this season, the Colts could likely afford to trade for Granderson and another player at the deadline, preferably a CB.
Nasty rep from Carl Granderson (96) on 3rd & long for a sack. The Saints place him in a wide alignment inside given the down & distance, and he wins quickly & decisively
pic.twitter.com/dLlPrYojT0— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) October 1, 2025
How much would it cost for the Saints to trade Carl Granderson
Considering the widespread need for pass rushers around the NFL, I think getting a mid-round pick for Granderson is both fair and necessary. A third-round selection seems hefty, so the Saints would probably need to send back a late-day three pick in either 2026 or 2027 in that scenario. The Saints shouldn’t trade him away for anything less than a fourth-round selection, though. At that point, the value wouldn’t match up to what he provides you with going forward. Not to mention, the market has proven to pay that sort of price for his caliber of player in recent years.
