Colts Trade A.Q. Shipley To Ravens For Conditional Pick In 2014

Well, so much for all the speculation that Samson Satele would be waived prior to June 1st. On the Thursday morning to begin their 2013 rookie minicamp, the Colts announced they have traded reserve center A.Q. Shipley to the Ravens for a conditional pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Shipley started five games for the Colts at the center spot along the offensive line in 2012, including their thrilling Week 5 win over the Packers.

In 476 snaps with the Colts last year A.Q. Shipley earned a +6.9 grade. Shrewd move for the Ravens.

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 9, 2013

So, the question is, why did the Colts trade Shipley if he was so good? Why have they decided to keep Samson Satele and his estimated $3.86 million camp hit in 2013? Cutting Satele would have saved $1.7 million.

Satele struggled in 2012 with injuries and with pass blocking. When the Colts drafted USC center Khaled Holmes in the 4th round of the draft in 2013, it was seen as sign that Satele - not Shipley - was on the way out.

On the surface, this trade makes absolutely no sense. Shipley played better than Satele did last season, and comes at a much cheaper price. Even if Indianapolis has faith in Holmes as the potential new starter at center, rookie minicamp begins today. They haven't even seen Holmes in practice yet!

We might have Ryan Grigson's first dumb move of the offseason on our hands. Wait! I forgot about Erik Walden. Never mind.

Second dumb move.