The MMQB Lists ‘Matches’ for Colts Among Top Free Agents
According to The MMQB’s Andy Benoit, the Indianapolis Colts could have a number of matches among the ‘25 Players Who Could Get Even Richer in Free Agency’:
"2. BRANDON WILLIAMS, DT, RAVENSAGE: 27He’s built to be a nose, but he’s shown the athleticism and tenacity to thrive at 3-technique. If he’s not one of the five highest-paid DTs this year, it’s because some team got a steal.Match: BAL, IND, DETOct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) gestures to the crowd during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports8. CALAIS CAMPBELL, DT, CARDINALSAGE: 30He has the wingspan of a pterodactyl and the strength of a stegosaurus. Rare is the D-lineman who is as steadily destructive.Match Game: ARI, CLE, IND14. JASON PIERRE-PAUL, DE, GIANTSAGE: 28JPP is a powerful pass rusher, capable of getting eight to 10 sacks, and he’s even better against the run. His three mutilated fingers (from a ‘15 fireworks accident) are a concern, but he adjusted his game in ‘16 to compensate.Match: NYG, WAS, INDJan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (R) talks to outside linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports18. DONT’A HIGHTOWER, LB, PATRIOTSAGE: 26He’s as sturdy as they come against the run, both in space and up on the line of scrimmage. He’s also one of the game’s best blitzers.Match Game: NE, IND, WAS19. TONY JEFFERSON, SS, CARDINALSAGE 25A hidden gem, he’s one of the best blitzing safeties in football, and he was terrific in man coverage against tight ends in ‘16, even when he was isolated on the perimeter.Match Game: ARI, CLE, INDJan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde (33) celebrates a play during the game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports25. MICAH HYDE, DB, PACKERSAGE: 26Great at nothing but sound at everything (including punt returns)—that kind of versatility can change a D’s makeup, especially when you consider he can bring it from the slot, too.Match Game: GB, WAS, IND"
As you may recall, Horseshoe Heroes has previously speculated that the Colts could be interested in the likes of top free agents such as nose tackle Brandon Williams, inside linebacker Dont’a Hightower, and safety Tony Jefferson among others in our recent ‘Top 7 Free Agents that the Colts Should Strongly Consider‘ piece.
However, it’s interesting that the franchise is considered as a potential match for other talented free agents such as defensive lineman Calais Campbell, pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, and defensive back Micah Hyde as well.
Next: NFL.com Lists Dont’a Hightower as a ‘Free Agency Fit’ for Colts
At this point, the Colts could probably be linked to any talented defensive player with a pulse, as the team simply has a ton of holes to fill on that side of the football.
That being said, it may not simply be wishful thinking on our part that the Colts make a splash in free agency as the team is poised to potentially become a major player if new general manager Chris Ballard so chooses.