Indianapolis traded the 26th pick in 2019 to Washington for…
Indianapolis traded the 26th pick in 2019 to Washington for No. 46 and a 2020 second-rounder. The Colts then moved No. 46 again, turning it into Ben Banogu and Marvell Tell, while the future choice became Michael Pittman Jr. Pittman developed into a long-term starting receiver and multiple-time 1,000-yard producer, giving Indianapolis the strongest piece of its eventual return despite Montez Sweat’s success in Washington.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 2019 2nd round pick (46th overall; traded to Cleveland for picks 49, Ben Banogu, and 144, Marvell Tell; Cleveland selected Greedy Williams at 46)
- pick 2020 2nd round pick (34th overall, Michael Pittman)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 2019 1st round pick (26th overall, Montez Sweat)
Trade Analysis
The Colts were criticized in some corners for leaving the first round, but the long view makes Chris Ballard’s move easy to defend. Indianapolis sent No. 26 to Washington and received No. 46 plus Washington’s 2020 second-round selection. The Colts immediately moved No. 46 to Cleveland for Nos. 49 and 144, using those picks on Ben Banogu and Marvell Tell. Neither became a cornerstone, which limits the value of the 2019 branch.
The future second-rounder changed the trade. Washington finished 3-13 in 2019, pushing the choice to No. 34 in 2020. Indianapolis selected Michael Pittman Jr., who became a durable starting receiver, a frequent 1,000-yard target and one of the most important offensive players of the post-Andrew Luck era. Getting that caliber of player from a future pick is exactly the upside a team seeks when trading down.
Washington’s side was also successful. Montez Sweat was not merely a first-round projection; he became a productive NFL edge defender. He accumulated steady sack production, started for several seasons and retained enough value that Washington traded him to Chicago during the 2023 season for a second-round pick. That later return softens the original cost and shows that Washington did obtain a premium asset.
The Colts still come out slightly ahead because Pittman became a long-term offensive centerpiece and the club also received two additional 2019 selections from the No. 46 branch. Washington, however, should not be treated as though the move failed. Sweat performed and was later converted into more draft capital.
Indianapolis keeps an A- and the win, while Washington improves to B+. This is better understood as a strong trade for both teams with a modest Colts edge than as a lopsided result.