Colts Free Agency Grades
Aug 13, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Todd Herremans (79) warms up during a joint practice with the New England Patriots at the Patriots practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Todd Herremans, 1 year $2.25-3.5M
Indianapolis Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson is all too familiar with Todd Herremans like many former Philadelphia Eagles he scouted while previously serving as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles scouting department.
Oct 13, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Todd Herremans (79) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The soon-to-be 11-year veteran may not be the same high-caliber player he once was, but is just one season removed from a highly productive season with the Eagles in 2013. While Herremans suffered a season-ending torn bicep in November of this past season, he should be fully recovered for the Colts upcoming season.
Highly regarded for his run blocking when healthy, Herremans should help to bolster the Colts ground game, as he projects to start as an offensive guard as it currently stands. However, he also has prior experience as offensive tackle and could serve as additional depth behind both Anthony Castonzo and Gosder Cherilus should the need arise.
On a 1-year “prove it” deal, there not much to actually dislike here. If Herremans can’t regain his prior form, then he can still provide adequate depth given his past experience in his prior 124 career starts and proven versatility at either offensive guard or tackle.
On top of that, Herremans has always been well-regarded throughout league circles for being a veteran leader and positive locker room presence:
Nobody I have spent more time talking to in my FO career that I respect more than @toddherremans. Great pro. Congrats on signing w/#Colts
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 8, 2015
Given the obvious need at guard and the low risk of this signing on a 1-year deal for the Colts, and it appears that Herremans is clearly worth rolling the dice on for a strong rebound season. The 32 year old still figures to have enough gas left in the tank to give the Colts at least one more productive season, maybe even two if things go well.