Indianapolis and New England swapped former high draft picks…
Indianapolis and New England swapped former high draft picks at roster cuts in 2017, with Jacoby Brissett going to the Colts and Phillip Dorsett to the Patriots. Brissett became Indianapolis' emergency starter almost immediately and ultimately made 30 starts across four seasons. Dorsett contributed as a rotational receiver for three New England seasons and earned a Super Bowl LIII ring, but Brissett delivered the larger team-specific role.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Jacoby Brissett
New England Patriots Received
- player Phillip Dorsett
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
New England traded quarterback Jacoby Brissett to Indianapolis for wide receiver Phillip Dorsett just before the 2017 season. The Colts were dealing with Andrew Luck's prolonged recovery from shoulder surgery and urgently needed a quarterback. The Patriots had Tom Brady entrenched and added a former first-round receiver whose speed could diversify their passing game.
Why Indianapolis Has the Edge
Brissett was forced into action almost immediately and started 15 games in 2017. He later became the primary starter again in 2019 after Luck's sudden retirement and finished his Colts tenure with 30 starts. He was not an upper-tier franchise quarterback, but competent starting quarterback play is expensive and difficult to find. Indianapolis acquired that insurance without surrendering draft capital, and Brissett's presence stabilized two seasons that otherwise could have become far more difficult.
How New England's Return Aged
Dorsett was useful for the Patriots. He played three seasons in New England, provided a vertical receiving threat and was part of the roster that won Super Bowl LIII. His role remained complementary, however, and he never became a high-volume target. The Patriots made a sensible move by turning a third-string quarterback into a receiver who fit their roster, so their side deserves a respectable grade despite losing the value comparison. Dorsett's championship contribution keeps New England's return from being viewed as a miss.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis earns a B+ and New England a B-. Dorsett helped a championship team, but Brissett's 30 Colts starts at the league's most valuable position create the stronger return. Indianapolis Colts Win.