Did the Indianapolis Colts Get Caught Up in NFL Free Agency Frenzy?

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

It did not take long for the Indianapolis Colts to make some noise in NFL free agency. Even before the floodgates opened earlier this week, the Colts were making moves with some of the pieces they already had in place. Once free agency began, Indianapolis joined the horserace, but did more to keep several players, rather than letting a lot of them go.

The Colts made the choice to re-sign P – Pat McAfee and K – Adam Vinatieri, to solidify their kicking game, before free agency even began. Indianapolis also jumped on bringing in LB – D’Qwell Jackson quickly, after he was released by the Cleveland Browns. Once free agency started, the Colts made a point to try and keep some of their other starters in the mix.

There was a lot of discussion over keeping CB – Vontae Davis. The Colts eventually came to terms with the defensive back, keeping him from signing somewhere else. Although Davis hasn’t always shined with Indianapolis, the Colts had little choice but to bring him back. The only other option was to try and add a rookie through the draft, or overpay for another free agent at that position.

Indianapolis also held on to S – Sergio Brown and RB – Ahmad Bradshaw. Brown is a versatile young player, and Bradshaw (when healthy) can still add a veteran presence to a running game that needs stability. That running game took a hit, as the Colts lost last year’s leading rusher, Donald Brown, to the San Diego Chargers. The Colts also parted ways with longtime S – Antoine Bethea.

One of the only true new additions that the Colts made, was signing free agent DE – Arthur Jones. Jones has a history with head coach Chuck Pagano, from the Baltimore Ravens, and could make a good addition to the Indianapolis defensive line. He may be playing opposite OLB – Robert Mathis, behind Mathis, or moved into a defensive tackle spot. Jones started 13 games and recorded 53 tackles in 2013, with the Ravens.

Indianapolis may not be done with free agency. The team did not make as many moves as other teams, but have already done a lot to keep some major pieces in place.