The Indianapolis Colts have an all-important offseason ahead of them even after making a trade for Carson Wentz.
Though this roster has Super Bowl bones, some finishing touches are required to make those dreams a reality. Luckily, some of the answers are sitting right there.
Whether you agree or not, at least two of TY Hilton, Xavier Rhodes, Justin Houston, Denico Autry, TJ Carrie, Marlon Mack and Malik Hooker would fill a big need.
As for the most paramount positions, specifically Rhodes and Houston would be the best options to help maintain continuity in the secondary and for the pass rush.
While the Colts have reportedly expressed interest in Houston, the same cannot be said for Rhodes.
From what I know: Colts aren't expected to sign any of their own in-house free agents to extensions before the open negotiating period begins Monday. They'll let all of them test the market, including T.Y. Hilton. But the focus won't change: they want to bring some back.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 10, 2021
Zak Keefer of The Athletic notes it’s been “quiet” on this front and there’s been “very little communication between the two sides.
Why? Apparently general manager Chris Ballard is hesitant to spend big on cornerbacks after whiffing big time on Pierre Desir just two years ago.
But if we’ve learned anything from watching the NFL over the years, you simply cannot bank on continuing to find bargain deals at certain positions — and one of them is cornerback. The experience and consistency that’s required for such an important role in a pass-heavy league is not one to be frugal with.
If the Colts are going to part with Rhodes, that’s fine, but they need to find an adequate, veteran stud in free agency or on the trade market. And they’ll have to pay for it.
Here's more on that front, from @HolderStephen, on quiet negotiations between Rhodes/Autry and the Colts, what's up with T.Y. Hilton and some other nuggets ahead of free agency: https://t.co/A3BgrpkUkj
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 10, 2021
If they’re going to rely on Marvell Tell and Isaiah Rodgers to log starting-caliber reps in 2021, then fans have every right to be frustrated. That’s not going to work, no matter how good the pass rush is.
Just look at the concerns surrounding Rock Ya-Sin that took the spotlight last year. Kenny Moore is a great piece, but the need for more reliable, experienced players as well as depth in that department is pressing for just about every NFL team.
Does this mean the team won’t consider a trade for Stephon Gilmore? What about free agents like Patrick Peterson, Richard Sherman, Chidobe Awuzie, or Desmond King? If you’re going to let Rhodes go, someone else with a storied track record needs to step in.
Colts fans didn’t want another thing to worry about this offseason, but here we are. We’ll have answers within the next 10 days.
Colts should capitalize on Stephon Gilmore’s opportunistic trade market
The Colts should look to capitalize on Stephon Gilmore's opportunistic trade market, which has reportedly shrunk over concerns about his quad injury.