The New York Giants are going nowhere fast in 2024 and could trade players like Daniel Bellinger for future draft picks. After making the playoffs in 2022, the team believed they could build a consistent winner around Daniel Jones. They were wrong, as Jones regressed during 2023 and led the team to another top-10 pick. Despite Jones’ massive contract, New York tried to trade up with the Patriots for North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. However, when New England wouldn’t budge, the Giants decided to stick with Jones for one more season.
This team knows they can’t win with Daniel Jones, which means they should start building for the future. One such move could include a trade involving third-year tight end Daniel Bellinger. According to the Bleacher Report scouting department, the Colts should try and acquire the former fourth-round pick as another weapon for Anthony Richardson.
Bleacher Report Wants Colts To Trade For Daniel Bellinger
The Indianapolis Colts have every reason to be excited about the upcoming season. Last year, the team came one game away from a surprise postseason appearance despite losing first-round pick Anthony Richardson for most of the season. Now, Richardson is back on the field and has three promising weapons in Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and rookie Adonai Mitchell. However, while the wide receiver room has plenty of talent, the team could improve the tight end room with a Daniel Bellinger trade.
The Colts currently have a small army of journeyman tight ends on the depth chart. Jelani Woods is likely the best of the bunch, but Daniel Bellinger would upgrade the position with a trade. While the tight end is no Travis Kecle, he’s a reliable run blocker who can open lanes for Jonathan Taylor and Richardson himself on scrambles. Seeing as he won’t need to be anything more than the fourth or fifth option in the passing attack, Indianapolis shouldn’t have to give up too much to get him. However, if Bellinger is available, some other teams could go after him.
Other Potential Destinations
New Orleans Saints
Historically speaking, Derek Carr loves throwing the ball to tight ends. The only problem is that he didn’t have a reliable one last year. Juwan Johnson is a fine depth player, but he’s not capable of being a consistent contributor in the passing game. Daniel Bellinger probably can’t do that either, but the trade target is a considerably better blocker. Given the questionable state of the Saints offensive line, this team could use Bellinger to clear rushing lanes for Alvin Kamara and provide blocking support for rookie first-round pick Taliese Fuaga.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are all-in on the remaining years of Aaron Rodgers’ career. While the team upgraded the offensive line and wide receivers in the offseason, they could still use some help at tight end. With Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and Malachi Corley already on the roster, Daniel Bellinger could be a reliable depth option if acquired in a trade and should provide some much-needed stability to one of the few weak positions on this roster.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are doing everything in their power to make life easier for Bryce Young. While the team improved the offensive line and wide receiver position, they haven’t done much to improve the tight end. Ja’Tavion Sanders has some long-term upside, but nobody should expect too much immediate support from a Day 3 tight end. Daniel Bellinger shouldn’t cost too much in a trade and should be a step up from current starter Tommy Tremble.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are rebuilding their offense in Jim Harbaugh’s image, and that means winning through the run game. Nobody loves old-school football more than Harbaugh, and he’ll need someone capable of opening rushing lanes. While Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater form one of the best tackle duos in football, this team could trade for a tight end like Daniel Bellinger to assist on the outside and make life easier for Gus Edwards.
Miami Dolphins
Jonnu Smith showed some signs of life during the 2023 season with Arthur Smith, but the free agent signee is not a long-term fix at the position. While he can hold the fort down in the short term, the team should fortify the depth chart with a trade for Daniel Bellinger. Miami has one of the most explosive offenses in the league but could use someone capable of supporting their questionable offensive line and hauling in dump-offs when pressure breaks through the line.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
