NFL Rumors: 5 teams that should trade for Cam Newton

3. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts were once infatuated with Jacoby Brissett, to the point they would not trade him for anything when he was backing up Andrew Luck. He started very well last year after having to step in for a retired Luck, but the poor stretch to end last season as he played through a knee injury has shifted the narrative and he’s got one year left on the extension the Colts gave him prior to the start of last season.

Indianapolis can clear $9 million in cap space by cutting Brissett, while absorbing $12.5 million in dead money. Or they could find a team willing to trade for him, which shifts the numbers to $16 million in cleared cap space and $5.5 million in dead money. But they also have the second-most cap space in the league right now ($86.1 million, via Over The Cap), so any decision regarding parting with or keeping Brissett is not in line to be particularly impactful.

Newton’s $21.1 million cap number for this year could even be reduced, if the Colts wanted to give him a contract extension quickly.

If they end up signing or trading for another starting-caliber quarterback, the Colts can remove some potential drama by parting with Brissett via whatever means proves viable. But with Newton’s durability concerns lingering until he shows otherwise, keeping a capable backup around who knows the offense and showed he can play well when he was healthy himself might be smart.

There is no doubt about one thing for the Colts. A healthy Newton is an upgrade over Brissett, as they try to push back to the top of a competitive AFC South next season.