What free agents should the Indianapolis Colts target?
Well folks… the Carson Wentz era is officially over in Indianapolis. The whispers around the league for the past month proved to be accurate. Wednesday, the Indianapolis Colts traded their starting quarterback to the Washington Commanders.
The deal involves a second-round pick swap in the 2022 NFL Draft. It also includes two third-round picks — one in 2022 and the other in 2023. The 2023 third-rounder is a conditional pick, which means if Carson Wentz plays more than 70% of the snaps next season, the Commanders must send their second-round pick rather than the third.
Phew, that was a lot to follow. Simply put, the Colts are now slated to have picks 42, 73, 82, 120, 158, 177, 216, 236, 237, with an extra pick that could be a second- or third-round pick in 2023.
Indianapolis Colts Free Agents To Target
The Indianapolis Colts are now armed with ~70 million dollars in available cap space, easily the most in the league. Unfortunately for Chris Ballard and crew, this also comes with a number of holes at premium positions. Left tackle, tight end, and quarterback are all without starters currently. Aside from Michael Pittman Jr., they are without quality players at wide receiver. Depth at safety and linebacker are needed to provide injury insurance. Cornerback and edge rusher both have great young duos, but will need some veteran guidance and added production to be a real threat.
Let’s take a look at what players the Colts could target at each position of need.
Least Likely? Jameis Winston
Predictability (or lack thereof) is one of the biggest reasons that the Indianapolis Colts elected to move on from Carson Wentz. As talented as Wentz is, you never knew what quarterback you were getting on a snap-by-snap basis. Jameis Winston improved in his time with the Saints at doing the “boring” things, but he’s still far too volatile of an option to bring in as QB1.
Maybe? Mitchell Trubisky
The Indianapolis Colts will undoubtedly check in with the Trubisky camp, but ultimately the price tag is probably going to be a bit more than what they feel comfortable paying. It could just be the work of his agent, but the former Bears quarterback has a strong market in free agency. Will the Giants, Buccaneers, or another QB-needy team outbid the Colts?
Most likely? Teddy Bridgewater
The options in free agency are not pretty, plain and simple. Teddy Bridgewater fits the bill as a steady player that won’t throw the team out of games. The problem with that increase in security is that he also isn’t going to throw your team to victory, either. Bridgewater is easily the safest option of the quarterbacks currently in free agency. The Indianapolis Colts will likely look into potential trades as well, but if their efforts are rebuffed, Teddy will likely be donning the horseshoe.
Least Likely? Terron Armstead
The superstar left tackle from New Orleans avoided being hit with the franchise tag, thus clearing the way for a major payday on the open market. The asking price will surely hover around the 20 million dollars per year mark. It goes against every fiber of DNA inside Chris Ballard’s body to give out that much money to a free agent. It’s not likely that the team shells out the necessary cash, but it’s fun to imagine right?
Maybe? Trent Brown
Trent Brown has more upside on the right side of the line but he would be an absolute force lined up alongside Quenton Nelson. Brown already has a monster contract under his belt, so there’s a chance his cost could be within the Indianapolis Colts range. Fit-wise, there are better options out there but talent-wise, he’s towards the top. It’s just a matter of how much you trust him to protect the blindside of whoever is under center in 2022.
Most Likely? Duane Brown
Duane Brown has been a great piece to the Seahawks offensive line since arriving in Seattle. He is 36 years old, so the contract will most definitely be a short-term commitment. Brown provides the best option as a stopgap, allowing the team to draft a developmental tackle in the later rounds to groom behind the stalwart at left tackle. I like this option a lot, but the only thing to watch for is a bidding war. That could cause the Colts to back out. But if the price is right? Come on down to Indianapolis!
Least Likely? Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell’s move to the Rams last season provided a much needed jolt to his career. Unfortunately for OBJ, he tore his ACL in the Super Bowl victory. Because of the timing of his injury, it is undetermined when Odell will make his return to the field. That is too big of a question mark for a team that must add production at the wide receiver group.
Maybe? Christian Kirk
Christian Kirk would be a fun fit in Frank Reich’s offense. Primarily a slot player, Kirk thrives at stretching the field and taking the top off of a defense. Anyone who watched the Indianapolis Colts in 2021 knows that the team did not do well in this department. At age 26, there’s a chance that Kirk is able to find a hefty, multi-year deal. If the price remains reasonable, the savvy Chris Ballard should scoop him up.
Most Likely? Allen Robinson
Somehow Allen Robinson is only 28 years old. It feels like he has been around forever. Colts fans remember him from his stint in Jacksonville, where he burst onto the scene over the course of his rookie contract. Robinson eventually moved on to the Bears, where he caught passes from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Whether the team brings in his old quarterback or not, Robinson would provide a legitimate threat opposite Michael Pittman Jr. It makes too much sense.
Least Likely? OJ Howard
OJ Howard is intriguing if the Indianapolis Colts opt to bring in a younger, unproven player at the position. You can argue that he has a higher upside than anyone else available. Howard never reached his true potential after reaching the league, but it is unlikely that the Colts will want to take a risk at the tight end spot considering the number of questions across the roster.
Maybe? Jared Cook
Jared Cook would form a great pair with Kylen Granson. Their styles compliment each other well, and Cook is a well-respected veteran whose word will carry weight in the locker room. His best years are behind him, but if the Colts miss out on some of the better options, they could do far worse than to bring Cook in on a one-year deal.
Most Likely? Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz caught 74 passes for 763 yards during the 2021 campaign, proving to still be a reliable option at the tight end position. The Colts just sent Carson Wentz away, but Frank Reich has a great relationship with Ertz and knows what a great fit he would be in Indy. Another move that makes too much sense not to pursue.
Least Likely? JC Jackson
Simply put, Chris Ballard will not pay what Jackson is demanding. As great of a fit as he would be in the blue and white, there’s little evidence to support that he will land with the Colts. The market will drive up the price, and with how important defending the pass is, top dollar won’t be in Ballard’s range.
Maybe? Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore is still among the best in the game at his position. He is likely to ask for a lucrative, short-term deal and that is something the Indianapolis Colts would be able to provide. Signing Gilmore gives the same upside as Jackson, but with less of a commitment going forward. If Ballard wants to make a splash, Gilmore is the guy.
Most Likely? Casey Hayward Jr.
You might be tired of seeing all these old guys, but they all fit the team like a glove. Hayward has spent most of the second half of his career playing for Gus Bradley. He can take the spot vacated by Xavier Rhodes and help the young guys continue to improve. Hayward is not only the most affordable option, he’s the best fit.
Least Likely? Tyrann Mathieu
The team likely will not be looking for a full-time starter here, considering Khari Willis and Julian Blackmon are both locked in atop the depth chart. The Honey Badger will be on the hunt for a monster pay day, but he won’t find it in Indianapolis.
Maybe? Marcus Williams
Similarly, Williams is going to be in the discussion for a handsome annual salary. At age 25, Williams is four years young than the aforementioned Mathieu. This might be enough for Ballard to bite the bullet, but I still wouldn’t count on it. The bidding wars in free agency have a history of getting out of hand, and Williams will likely see top dollar from someone.
Most Likely? Marcus Maye
Marcus Maye is a 28 year old veteran that brings starting experience and scheme versatility with him. Maye spent time at each safety spot during his tenure with the Jets. This allows Maye the option of filling in at either spot in the event of injury. The price tag and length of the deal will comfortably be within Indy’s range. The question will be injury, as Maye is coming off a major one and likely won’t start until at least midseason, but that number could be lower than expected.
Least Likely? Chandler Jones
I’m sorry Indianapolis Colts fans, but it’s hard to see the team spending upwards of 20 million dollars on the edge rusher position. They have a lot invested in the development of Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo, so bringing in someone to play 100% of the snaps would put their development at risk of being stunted. Plus, we will see what happens with Ben Banogu and Kemoko Turay.
Maybe? Randy Gregory
Randy Gregory had a quietly great season in 2021. He would bring a nastiness to the edge that the defense currently lacks. It’s unlikely that he will fetch top dollar, giving the Colts a chance to pounce if he makes it through the first wave of free agency. Keep an eye out for Gregory.
Most Likely? Melvin Ingram lll
Yes… another old guy. It is fun to daydream of the superstars, but the most likely options are oftentimes the most boring. This is not to take away from the impact that Ingram could have on this unit. He revitalized the Chiefs pass rush late in the season, proving to be one of the best players on their defense in the playoffs. The price will remain low for the veteran, but the Indianapolis Colts don’t need him on a full-time basis. He also has experience within the Gus Bradley system.
Most Realistic Haul:
-QB Teddy Bridgewater
-LT Duane Brown
-WR Allen Robinson
-TE Zach Ertz
-EDGE Melvin Ingram
-CB Casey Hayward Jr
-Safety Marcus Maye
The average age of this haul is right at the 30-year mark. That may not be appealing to some, however, this provides the best chance at not only competing in 2022, but also keeping the team flexible going forward. The biggest reason the Colts were in a tough position this offseason, is due to putting all their eggs in the Carson Wentz basket. Without a sure-fire franchise guy available, it would be smart for the Colts to keep their options open going forward. It’s not sexy, but these moves compliment the current roster extremely well.