Marlon Mack and the Colts have agreed to pursue a trade for the running back, so which NFL landing spots would make sense for the veteran?
With seemingly no place in the backfield for Marlon Mack, the Indianapolis Colts running back is looking for another NFL home. On Tuesday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the franchise and player had mutually agreed to look for a trade. Now, the hunt is on.
Pelissero did later note that a trade isn’t a certainty but it would make sense for Indianapolis. Jonathan Taylor is the lead back and Nyheim Hines has carved out the role as the pass-catcher out of the backfield. That leaves Mack, who has been productive but is also returning from an Achilles injury, pretty much in the dark.
For an NFL team in need, though, Marlon Mack could be a crucial midseason pickup by way of a trade. In particular, these five clubs should take a long, hard look at a trade with the Colts for the running back.
Marlon Mack trade landing spots and fits
5. Carolina Panthers
This is probably a bit reactionary with the Christian McCaffrey injury but, with the star runner out for a few weeks, the Panthers could possibly be in the market for a higher-quality backup than Chuba Hubbard. While the rookie could be fine, Mack would be a more natural fit for the dual-threat role Carolina likes their running backs to play. Depending on their level of concern with McCaffrey, they could make yet another trade.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In name value, the Buccaneers are set at running back with Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones II and Gio Bernard. But the truth about that group is that they’ve largely not been that good. Tom Brady was the leading rusher against the Rams, which is a problem. Mack could come in and be the reliable versatile threat that doesn’t need to touch the ball 25 times per game but can move the ball effectively when he does get his opportunities.
3. New York Jets
Not much has gone right thus far for the Jets offense and the offensive line is a legitimate problem without Mekhi Becton on the field. That being said, they have to find ways to give Zach Wilson some kind of time and getting a consistent running back might help. Mack would immediately be the best player in that backfield and, though he can’t do it with bad blocking, he provides more upside than any other back in New York.
2. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco has once again been hit with the injury bug, this time almost exclusively in the running back room. Trey Sermon flashed in Week 3 but there’s still room for upside.
Inserting Mack into the Kyle Shanahan offense would be great. His patience as a runner and ability as a pass-catcher would be well-used in the zone scheme and really help the Niners to find the juice they need in the ground game.
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have already made a number of moves to address their absurd number of injuries at running back. But would you rather have a committee of Latavius Murray, DeVonta Freeman and Ty’Son Williams or Marlon Mack? For me, the answer there is Mack. He’s versatile and could thrive in this scheme for Baltimore.