Indianapolis acquired linebacker Grant Stuard and a 2023…
Indianapolis acquired linebacker Grant Stuard and a 2023 seventh-round pick from Tampa Bay for a 2023 sixth-rounder. The Buccaneers used the sixth on defensive back Josh Hayes, while the Colts' seventh became Jake Witt. Stuard developed into a valuable special-teams player who also handled defensive starts, and Hayes supplied Tampa Bay with special-teams and secondary depth. Both clubs turned late-round value into useful roster pieces.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Grant Stuard
- pick 2023 7th round pick (236th overall, Jake Witt)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 2023 6th round pick (181st overall, Josh Hayes)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Just before the 2022 season, Indianapolis acquired linebacker Grant Stuard and Tampa Bay's 2023 seventh-round pick for the Colts' 2023 sixth-round selection. The sixth eventually became defensive back Josh Hayes at No. 181, while the seventh became offensive tackle Jake Witt at No. 236. The practical comparison is therefore Stuard's multi-year role in Indianapolis against the Buccaneers' ability to move up a round and select Hayes.
Why Indianapolis Can Like the Deal
Stuard became more than a throw-in. He carved out a substantial special-teams role and later handled meaningful defensive snaps, including starts when Indianapolis needed help at linebacker. For the price of dropping from the sixth to the seventh round, the Colts gained a player who repeatedly dressed, covered kicks and could step into the defense. That is a useful outcome from the margins of a roster.
How Tampa Bay Fared
The Buccaneers converted a player they were willing to move into a better draft slot and selected Hayes. Hayes also became a recurring game-day contributor, primarily on special teams and as secondary depth. Tampa Bay therefore received the same basic category of value Indianapolis did: inexpensive roster utility rather than a star. The move also gave the Buccaneers control of a higher pick without surrendering a core player.
Final Verdict
Both teams earn a B-. Indianapolis got several seasons of practical value from Stuard, while Tampa Bay turned the transaction into Hayes and received comparable roster utility. Neither side created enough separation in impact or acquisition cost to deserve a clear win. For a deal built around late-round capital and role players, the balanced outcomes support an Even Trade verdict.