Indianapolis and Philadelphia swapped fringe defensive…
Indianapolis and Philadelphia swapped fringe defensive prospects at the start of 2012 training camp, with cornerback D.J. Johnson going to the Colts and defensive tackle Ollie Ogbu going to the Eagles. Johnson was waived by Indianapolis before the regular season and moved to the practice squad. Ogbu was released by Philadelphia at final cuts. Because neither player produced meaningful regular-season value for his new team, the trade is a straightforward even result.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Dominique Johnson
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Ollie Ogbu
Trade Analysis
Why the Teams Made the Swap
The Colts and Eagles exchanged two developmental defenders just as training camps opened in July 2012. Indianapolis sent defensive tackle Ollie Ogbu to Philadelphia for cornerback D.J. Johnson. Both clubs were trying to improve competition near the bottom of their 90-man rosters without giving up draft capital.
What Indianapolis Received
Johnson had previous NFL experience with the Giants and had spent time on several practice squads before Philadelphia acquired his rights. Indianapolis brought him in to compete at cornerback, but the opportunity was brief. The Colts waived Johnson during final cuts on September 1 and then added him to the practice squad. He did not establish a meaningful regular-season role for Indianapolis.
What Philadelphia Received
Ogbu had entered the league as an undrafted free agent and spent the 2011 season on the Colts' practice squad. Philadelphia added him at a time when the defensive-tackle room needed camp depth. Ogbu participated in the preseason but was among the Eagles' final cuts on August 30. He likewise did not provide regular-season production for his new team.
Why the Result Is Easy to Call
Neither side surrendered a player who immediately broke out elsewhere, and neither acquired player became part of the active roster in a meaningful way. This is exactly the kind of low-stakes camp transaction where equal outcomes matter more than theoretical upside.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Indianapolis and Philadelphia each receive a D. Both teams took reasonable no-cost fliers, but neither Johnson nor Ogbu generated lasting roster value after the exchange.