PaytonMenning here back to pull a Jonathon Swift and stir up some controversy. Here's my less than modest proposal: We should trade Bob Sanders for a skill position player or a draft pick.

Now I know what you're saying - you're saying "Menning, you've gone crazy!". Follow me for a little bit here. It's pretty clear that Melvin has really elevated his game this season. The goal line hit at Arizona really stood out for me, and made me notice Melvin in the secondary. Going back to watch the tape, he's all over the field making tackles left and right. Indeed, Melvin is on the books for 21 tackles in 4 games this season. In contrast, so far this season Bob Sanders has zero tackles. Melvin also appears to be able to play at a high level and keep himself healthy. Bob on the other hand, has missed about half his starts as a Colt due to injury. Melvin is not a big name (yet), and as such has a small veteran contract. Bob has a huge one. As I see it, this argument distills down to: up and coming safety vs. injury prone pro bowler with a huge contract.

Now, this is where I think it gets interesting. Bob is widely viewed as a difference maker on defense. I think that the Colts could probably extract some fairly decent value for a trade. Perhaps a team would take a flyer for a good-to-great OG, or maybe even a draft choice next year. For the sake of argument, let's assume we could upgrade a hole on the team and/or receive a first round draft pick for next year for Bob. Which would you prefer? A pro bowl safety on the bench or a solid, developing player on the field AND a first round draft pick?

So there you have it - should the Colts bite the Bullitt? Discuss amongst yourselves, I'm getting a little verklempt.