Indianapolis Colts Host Free Agent Tackle Austin Howard on Visit
By Andrew Ites
The Colts may be looking at bringing in free agent tackle Austin Howard to compete for the starting job at right tackle this offseason.
The Colts haven’t made any big splash moves in free agency to improve their offensive line, but they have the potential to field a solid unit if all of their members are healthy.
Left tackle Anthony Castonzo and center Ryan Kelly are both capable of playing at a Pro Bowl level.
Guards Matt Slauson and Jack Mewhort have both been above-average players when they’ve been fully healthy, although both of them have checkered injury histories.
The one major question mark left on the offensive line is at right tackle.
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Denzelle Good started at that spot during the beginning of the 2017 season, but Joe Haeg ended up getting most of the playing time at right tackle. Haeg isn’t a total liability, but general manager Chris Ballard would like to improve that position before Andrew Luck returns to the field next season.
Free agent tackle Austin Howard would probably be an upgrade over the Colts’ current options at right tackle.
He was solid in both the run game and in pass protection last season in Baltimore, and he could provide some stability along the offensive line in Indianapolis. Howard has also had good years with the Raiders and Jets during his seven-year career where he’s made 88 starts.
This year’s free agent market didn’t have much talent at tackle, but Austin Howard is a player that can come in and start right away while the Colts try to develop a lineman they select in the draft.
Next: Assessing the Colts Losses in 2018 Free Agency
We’ll have to wait and see if this visit ends up leading to a contract.