The Indianapolis Colts are entering the 2025 campaign with one of the deepest pass-catching groups, so they could likely trade tight end Jelani Woods this offseason. According to NFLTradeRumors, the source believes the Colts may send Woods to a new team in a trade, which isn’t surprising since the tight end group is too deep and there’s no chance that he will carve out at least a backup job in this department. Originally selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Oklahoma State and Virginia product came into the league as a legitimate athletic freak, but health became an issue. Woods is in the best spot to either be a free agent or be on the trade block if the Colts want to garner some draft capital, which is probably what they will do first before a possible release.
After drafting Tyler Warren in this year’s draft, the Colts probably got their first long-term tight end for quarterback Anthony Richardson since the Dallas Clark days. The team drafted Warren for the first time for the Colts since 2003 when they got Clark, so that tells you that they’re sticking with him. Between Mo-Alie Cox and Drew Ogletree, these two have more of a chance to stay with the team unless the Colts prefer to stick with just two tight ends. This leaves Woods expendable this upcoming season, but these five teams could trade for him before the year starts.
Report: Colts Could Trade Former Third Rounder Jelani Woods – Top 5 Fits
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Following a promising 2024 campaign with a new culture under Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers need more dynamic pass-catchers for quarterback Justin Herbert. Harbaugh admits the team did Herbert a disservice in the postseason, so that’s why they got tight end Tyler Conklin to add some type of life of life in the aerial attack. However, he won’t single-handedly catch every ball, so they need more than one player to make the plays, and even though Woods isn’t ready for full-time duties, he could share the snaps among Conklin and Will Dissly.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints have one of the worst quarterback units following Derek Carr’s retirement. They need all the bodies in their receiver department to give Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler a fighting chance. Juwan Johnson provides little to no long-term future, but maybe that can change if he gets some type of depth behind him with the addition of Woods.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Carolina Panthers have a promising offensive roster, even though they aren’t playoff contenders this season. Tommy Tremble received a setback during camp, but will come back healthy for week one. This leaves an unproven Ja’Tavion Sanders to put his skills to the test, so this means they could use another tight end to salvage the unit. This leaves an opportunity for Woods to possibly win a starting role.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025 campaign with several question marks in their core tight end room. If Jake Ferguson doesn’t impress this season, they could trade him during the year or let him hit the market next offseason. Dallas might stick with the youngsters due to cap space, and since Woods is still on a rookie contract, he could be worth the one-year risk to see what he could do behind Luke Schoonmaker and John Stephens.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders will eventually need another tight end once Zach Ertz hangs up his cleats, despite signing a one-year extension. John Bates is only efficient in pass-blocking situations. This leaves Woods room to grow playing behind one of the best arms in quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
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