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Free agents the Colts should target in 2016

By Evan Reller

Nov 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Indianapolis Colts helmet lays on the field after the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Indianapolis 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Indianapolis Colts helmet lays on the field after the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Indianapolis 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Mitchell Schwartz (72) and Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Mitchell Schwartz (72) and Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Tackle

The Colts absolutely have to find a solution to the right side of the offensive line. They could use an upgrade at center, right guard, and right tackle. Grigson has tried just about everything possible to solve these problems and they haven’t worked (although keeping A.Q. Shipley at center would have been a good start back in 2014). The Colts are likely to take a lineman in the first round of the draft, but that won’t be nearly enough to fix these issues.

If the Colts find a right tackle, and A) don’t pay him like a left tackle B) or move a left tackle to the right side, that means they could move Joe Reitz to right guard which is a position he is better suited for anyway. The Colts should target a RT in free agency, move Reitz to guard, and find a center in the draft.

Who should the Colts target?

Mitchell Schwartz, RT, Cleveland Browns

Schwartz would be a great signing by the Colts. He’s been a four year start for the Browns and a model of consistency. Pro Football Focus had him with a grade of 86.6 (out of 100) last season. Cleveland had plenty of issues last season, but they were far better when running the ball towards Schwartz’s side.

He’s on the record as saying he’d like to stay in Cleveland, but change is coming to the Browns and he’s likely on his way out. The issues will probably be money as a player like Schwartz is going to be in high demand, especially with the offensive line epidemic we’ve seen growing the past few years.

Kelvin Beachum from the Steelers would also be an option if Schwartz isn’t available or is too expensive. He had a 79.4 grade from PFF, but is coming off a torn ACL in Week 6. It looks like the Steelers are leaning towards a cheaper option as they are in cap hell right now.

Next: Right Guard

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