Who could the Indianapolis Colts consider in the second wave of free agency? A few names come to mind.
The Indianapolis Colts made two huge moves in the first wave of free agency, trading the 13th overall pick for 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and signing Philip Rivers to a one year, $25 million deal to be the starting quarterback.
General manager Chris Ballard made the splash move he talked about at the combine, but the Colts still have around $28 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. It leaves them enough room to bring in some more help on either side of the ball on a budget.
There are still plenty of needs that Ballard can address, and with some room, they could be in the market for one more signing. Let’s take a look at three players who could be that signing.
1. Demarcus Robinson
Wide receiver is definitely still a need in Indy, even with expectations high for second year receiver Parris Campbell. There isn’t much help beyond Campbell and T.Y. Hilton, so bringing in another veteran on the cheap makes plenty of sense. Indianapolis won’t be bringing back Devin Funchess, as it sounds like he’s headed to Green Bay. But, finding a vertical receiver makes sense for the Colts.
Demarcus Robinson is a name that makes sense for the Colts at this point. The room is getting crowded in Kansas City, and with an expected jump from Mecole Hardman in year two, Robinson could get pushed out. When Tyreek Hill went down with an injury early in the season, Robinson stepped up big the next week, catching six passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to win with speed down the field, along with his good hands and tough nature, would be a nice fit in Frank Reich’s offense.
2. Nickell Robey-Coleman
Former Bills and Rams corner Nickell Robey-Coleman also lands on the list. While other teams have been chasing guys over 30, Robey-Coleman is still just 28 years old, and after cutting Pierre Desir, corner has become a need for the Colts.
Robey-Coleman has been a productive slot corner in his seven seasons in the NFL, amassing 48 passes defensed, six interceptions, five forced fumbles, and five sacks. His presence in the slot would be welcomed to an Indianapolis defense that was shredded in its final four games. Signing him wouldn’t fix everything in the secondary, but it would be a good start.
3. Delanie Walker
The Colts were extremely effective on offense when a majority of the passing game is centered around two tight end sets. Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron were a very good pair, and with Ebron moving on to Pittsburgh, finding a complement to Doyle is important.
There’s a chance they address this need in the draft, but finding a veteran isn’t out of the question. Delanie Walker has already been linked to the Colts in free agency because of coaching ties. He is 36, and has only played in eight games in the past two seasons. However, he can be a third tight end in Indy (accompanied by a draft pick) on a limited pitch count to provide another reliable pass catcher in the offense.
Free agency isn’t over yet for this team, so expect Ballard to make a budget move later in the process. It could end up being one of these three players.