Colts Free Agency Grades

Former Miami Hurricane Teammates in wide receiver Andre Johnson and running back Frank Gore joined the Indianapolis Colts together as high-profile free agent signings.

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports (Andre Johnson); Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports (Frank Gore)

The Indianapolis Colts have already made a number of high-profile free agent signings this offseason. While the additions of former Miami Hurricane teammates in Andre Johnson and Frank Gore has drawn the majority of the headlines, the team has also signed two notable former Philadelphia Eagles in pass rusher Trent Cole and offensive lineman Todd Herremans. Not to mention, former St. Louis Rams defensive lineman Kendall Langford was also added as a free agent.

Granted, it’s admittedly difficult to assess the true impact of these players without them playing a snap for the Colts, yet we will do our best to give an informed grade given the details of each aforementioned player’s newly inked contract, as well as their talent level and the fulfillment of a team need.

Here are our grades for your viewing pleasure:

Dec 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Kendall Langford (98) throws his helmet after being ejected from the game during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle won 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Kendall Langford, 4 years $17.2M

The Colts signed Kendall Langford to essentially replace veteran Cory Redding along the team’s defensive line as a starting 3-4 defensive end. Langford was released by the St. Louis Rams for salary cap reasons after he had lost his starting job to standout rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald. However, he still made 4 starts for the Rams last season and played in all 16 of their regular season games.

Oct 20, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Kendall Langford (98) on the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

At 6’6″, 313 pounds, Langford is much more natural playing as a 3-4 defensive end then as a 4-3 defensive tackle that he played as a Ram. The 29 year old Langford is seemingly in his prime and a return to the position that he once played a high level of football with as a member of the Miami Dolphins, as a 3-4 defensive end back in 2011 could help jumpstart his career.

Still, Langford numbers appear to fairly pedestrian last season, and he wasn’t necessarily a standout defensive lineman on film. According to ProFootballFocus (subscription), he received a +0.4 grade overall as a 4-3 defensive tackle last season with the Rams. While a change of position should ultimately do him good, his grade as a 3-4 defensive end with the Miami Dolphins in 2011 (his last played season there) is worse at -5.0 overall.

To be fair though, Langford appeared to be a pretty good pass rusher from his old end spot with the Dolphins, as he received a +8.6 grade in pass rush. However, this was offset by his horrendous -13.9 grade against the run. For a team that desperately needs to improve its run defense, it doesn’t look like Langford provides much of an upgrade along their starting defensive line in this facet.

Nevertheless, Langford’s new contract is incredibly team friendly for the Colts, as only $2.5 million of his total $17.2 million is actually guaranteed. The team could cut Langford after one season with little salary cap repercussions:

While I’m certainly not in love with the signing, as it doesn’t necessarily give the Colts an upgrade in their run defense, I don’t hate it either. The Colts got a bit younger along their defensive line and maybe Langford could return to the more productive defensive lineman he was with the Dolphins, at least in the pass rushing department. Also given the nature of his new team friendly contract, the Colts can cut bait with Langford at any time without any significant salary cap ramifications.

Grade: C+

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:

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.

Grade: B

Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole (58) celebrates a sack during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Trent Cole, 2 years $16M

The Colts landed another former member of the Philadelphia Eagles in veteran pass rusher

. Entering this offseason, the team was in need of another proven pass rusher and General Manager

once again went with a player that he was already both familiar and comfortable with.

Oct 13, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole (58) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The 32 year old Cole may have slowed down a tad, but he’s still coming off a productive 6.5 sack season. His sacks may have been fewer to come by, as he had shared pass rushing duties with Connor Barwin (14.5 sacks) and Vinny Curry (9 sacks) eating into this total. 

According to ProFootballFocus (subscription), he received the 12th best pass rushing grade last season with a +11.3 pass rushing grade. However, Cole won’t just be a “one trick” pony with the Colts, as he’s respectable against the run too, registering a +2.6 grade in run defense. 

The 10-year veteran has consistently been one of the NFL’s more productive pass rushers with the Eagles. The former 5th round pick of the Eagles in 2005 has 85.5 career sacks, which is the 48th most in NFL history.

Cole’s contract does guarantee a fairly significant $8 million; however, pass rushers always come at a premium in today’s free agency. With Andrew Luck‘s mega-contract looming, Cole’s short-term contract is set to expire right in time. In the mean time, he can join both Robert Mathis and Jonathan Newsome, giving the Colts a formidable trio of pass rushers.

Grade: B+

Oct 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) during warm ups before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi

Frank Gore, 3 years $12M

The Colts were in desperate need of a starting caliber running back, and they found one of the most productive and consistent ones over the past decade in San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore. The 10-year veteran rushed for 1,106 rushing yards on 255 carries (4.3 ypc average), as well as 4 touchdowns last season. 

One of the NFL’s all-time great running backs, Gore’s only missed 1 start for the 49ers in the past 4 seasons and has rushed for over 1,000 rushing yards in 8 of his 10 seasons in the NFL. However, set to turn 32 years old, Gore may have lost a bit of a step and has a lot of mileage on his tires. Still, as long as he can give the Colts a dependable presence in between the tackles paired with his always exceptional blocking and receiving game, and the team’s backfield has been seemingly bolstered.

Gore figures to have at least one to two productive years left, and that’s enough time for the Colts to make a final push for a Super Bowl appearance before the contracts of their young core start becoming an issue. The longtime 49ers running back doesn’t provide a long-term solution at the position, but he is an immediate upgrade for the team. The Colts needed a solidifying presence in the ground game and Gore provides just that.

Grade: B+

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) get knocked out of bounds prior to the end zone by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Johnson, 3-year $21 million

The Colts entered the offseason with a real need for a proven wideout to pair with diminutive, yet dangerous down the field threat T.Y. Hilton. The team seemingly found an ideal complement in longtime Houston Texans wideout Andre Johnson. 

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

While the soon-to-be 34 year old Johnson isn’t the same dominant wideout he once was, he still figures to be a significant upgrade over last year’s version of a clearly not the same Reggie Wayne. At 6’3″, 230 pounds, Johnson also provides the Colts with a big bodied possession wideout that the team has been lacking in recent seasons. 

Johnson is one of the most decorated wide receivers in NFL history, as his 1,012 receptions rank 9th most all-time, and his 13,597 receiving yards are 12th all-time. Unlike many other future Hall of Fame wide receivers; however, Johnson hasn’t had the luxury of playing with an elite quarterback. He now figures to have the opportunity for the first time in his career by playing with the Colts star young quarterback in Andrew Luck. 

Johnson’s coming off a still productive season in which he caught 85 receptions for 936 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns despite shaky starting quarterback play with the Texans. He likely won’t light the world on fire with the Colts, but he gives them a proven big and sure-handed wideout that they previously didn’t have in their stable.

Signing for 3 years, $21 million, Johnson’s contract seems about in-line with a fair valuation of his production at this point in his career. While there was the risk the Colts could overpay based on his name recognition, the team ultimately ended up paying him a contract that “sounds about right”:

Grade: A-

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