There’s been plenty of chatter on social media among New Orleans Saints fans hoping for a big trade with the Indianapolis Colts. Quick to point to the emergence of Eric Ebron as a receiving threat, Saints faithful have been getting increasingly hopeful for the black and gold to trade for the Colts’ other tight end, Jack Doyle. It’s an understandable idea: Ebron surpassed Doyle as a threat on passing downs in 2018, and the Saints haven’t replaced Jimmy Graham since trading him away years ago. Ben Watson is retiring and Josh Hill is just a backup, even if he’s highly effective in that bit part.
Unfortunately, a possible trade for Doyle just don’t pass the smell test.
The Colts enjoy having two Pro Bowl-quality tight ends to work with, and they each execute different responsibilities. Ebron made waves among fantasy football enthusiasts with his receiving ability, catching 66 passes for 750 yards and a league-leading 13 touchdown catches. Doyle is an accomplished receiver in his own right, but he presents more value as an in-line blocker — Pro Football Focus credited him as the NFL’s best tight end in pass protection, and a top-five talent when paving the way for running plays. When the Colts have Ebron and Doyle on the field together, they present the most challenging two-tight end sets to defend since the heyday of Rob Gronkwoski and Aaron Hernandez.
That means Indianapolis won’t be eager to break up their one-two punch at the position. Even if Ebron excelled after Doyle was lost with a midseason hip injury, their team is stronger with both of them in play. Elevating Ebron to the leading role and asking him to win more frequently as a blocker than receiving threat would curb his overall effectiveness. Head coach Frank Reich found a recipe that works, and the Saints simply don’t have enough draft capital to make nixing it worth his while.
So, it would be great if the Saints could make a move to add either Doyle or Ebron. Honestly, Ebron is probably a better fit for what the Saints need from the position. But the state of each franchise suggests they must look elsewhere for improvement.
