Here are three big-name free agents the Colts should sign in 2021.
The coronavirus pandemic projects to impact the NFL, and the Colts, beyond just the upcoming season.
This would include the salary cap for 2021, which is expected to be markedly condensed for obvious reasons. Per the latest buzz, the final number could be set at $175 million, approximately $20 million less than it was this year.
To nobody’s surprise, the Indianapolis Colts will be in the best situation to cope with this impending change. According to Over the Cap, they are projected to lead the league in salary cap space with a whopping $91 million. That number is obviously subject to change between the start of the campaign and free agency, as Indianapolis could choose to extend a few players.
What matters is that the Colts don’t have a ton of lucrative contracts on the books right now, and those that are will expire after the 2020 season, so they will be flush with cash before long.
Teams with the most cap room in 2021 (includes current cap cap carryover from 2020) based on a $175M salary cap
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) August 9, 2020
1. Colts- $91M
2. Patriots- $70M
3. Jaguars- $64M
4. Jets- $62M
5. FT- $55M
6. Bengals- $41M
7. Chargers- $39M
8. Browns- $34M
9. Dolphins- $31M
10. Ravens- $31M
We all knew it was coming, but it’s still incredibly satisfying to know it’s official.
On the heels of this uplifting news, let’s get crazy and attempt to identify three high-profile free agents the Colts should target next offseason.
3. Allen Robinson
No matter how highly you rate 2020 second-round pick Michael Pittman Jr., it’s really hard to deny that the Colts are thin at wide receiver. Even if he overcomes the bizarre circumstances of this season — the delayed start to training camp, no preseason, etc. — there’s no telling what the future holds for TY Hilton, who will miss the next few weeks with a hamstring injury.
We’re obviously not writing off the four-time Pro Bowler, but another injury-riddled campaign could talk Indianapolis out of offering him a contract extension once he hits free agency. Furthermore, he’ll turn 31 in December and is fresh off posting the lowest receiving marks of his career.
Enter Allen Robinson, who is entering the final year of his contract with the Chicago Bears and likely wants nothing more than to catch passes from a competent quarterback.
Forced to work with a limited gunslinger in Mitchell Trubisky, the 26-year-old wideout made the most of his situation, compiling 98 receptions for 1,147 yards and seven touchdowns. Just imagine the numbers he would put up working with an accurate signal caller. If the Colts play their cards right, Robinson could be theirs at a reasonable price.