The Colts shipped Phillip Dorsett off to New England yesterday for Jacoby Brissett, and that was a trade that made some waves. Many wondered if it says something about when the Colts expect (or don't expect) Andrew Luck to return from shoulder surgery.
According to the Indianapolis Star, the Colts are taking the long view with Brissett. They believe he can be a possible long-term backup for Luck, since he's signed for the next three seasons.
The article itself calls the trade "stunning," which is hyperbole. What's stunning about two players who might well have been cut being traded for each other on cutdown day? Happens all the time.
The Boston Globe made its roster projections last week, and left Brissett off New England's 53. Yes Tom Brady is old and Jimmy Garoppolo is a free agent after the season, but the Patriots have made it clear they value Garoppolo long-term as their future quarterback -- doesn't look like they're going to get rid of him.
The Colts, meanwhile, have been shopping Dorsett in recent weeks, hoping to get something for a player who's been a bust for them. He also would likely have been released if not traded.
Certainly Luck might miss several games. The Colts activated him off the PUP list but that only means they think he might be available at some point in the first six games -- not that he definitely will be. And if he's out multiple games, having another quarterback option behind marginal Scott Tolzien makes a lot of sense. But that would be the case even if Luck were going to miss just one or two games.
Brissett has some running ability, which would be important behind a poor offensive line. Certainly possible the team gives him a shot early on if Tolzien struggles or Luck has to miss up to a month or so.
But this remains a trade of roster longshots, and doesn't necessarily say a ton about Luck. It might just say plenty about Tolzien.
--Andy Richardson