Stop us if you’ve heard this before over the last few months: The Indianapolis Colts were recently linked with a marquee free agent, but ultimately lost out to another suitor.
The laundry list of the swings and misses for the Colts this offseason is so long that fans might not know who we’re taking about, but it’s Jadeveon Clowney, who inked a one-year, $10 million deal with the Cleveland Browns this week after mulling offers from several teams.
We were personally in favor of Indianapolis prioritizing retaining Justin Houston over taking a gamble on the oft-injured Clowney.
However, we were left a little bothered after the details of the former No. 1 overall pick’s contract with the Browns came to light.
If it came down to re-signing Houston on a cheap one-year deal or signing Clowney to a pricey multi-year contract, we obviously would have chosen the former. Instead, however, the Colts decided to continue to play things safe and hoard their cap space.
It remains to be seen how serious of a player Indy was in the Clowney sweepstakes, but the fact that they’ve once again lost out to (presumably) the highest bidder proves they’re continuing to waste time and fans officially have our permission to be annoyed.
The #Browns are signing free agent pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney to a 1-year deal after he passed his physical, sources say, landing a player who has been a target of Cleveland’s for years. Fresh off a lost season in 2020, Clowney has high hopes with his new team.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2021
The Colts are continuing to waste everybody’s time this offseason.
In all honesty, we’d much rather the Colts not even be linked with some of these big-ticket free agents than be pegged as a potential destination only to lose out to another contender. The same thing happened with left tackle Trent Williams, and now Chris Ballard is faced with the pressure of hitting on whomever he identifies as the long-term answer in this month’s draft.
Getting back to Indy’s glaring need for an edge rusher, they’re playing a dangerous game by allowing Houston meet with other teams, especially considering that they’ve reportedly gained zero ground on the negotiation front with the four-time Pro Bowler.
Colts veteran free agent pass rusher Justin Houston visited the Ravens. He is not visiting the Texans, according to league sources
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 15, 2021
We totally understand the allure that comes with drafting a touted prospect to pair alongside the likes of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart on the defensive line, but why not go for the jugular by using a high pick on a pass rusher and re-signing Houston?
That’s been the most maddening part of the Colts’ offseason thus far: they won’t re-sign or sign anyone unless it’s at the perfect price. While there’s something to be said for that, it hasn’t stopped the likes of the Buccaneers, Browns, Chiefs and Bills (all legitimate contenders) from spending the big bucks in free agency to bolster their championship odds.
We’ve seen enough from Ballard and the rest of the front office to give them the benefit of the doubt, but our patience is definitely starting to wear thin. After all, there’s a distinct difference between letting the market unfold before striking and sitting out free agency entirely.
Colts: What to make of Jim Irsay’s latest comments about draft and free agency
What should Indianapolis Colts fans make about owner Jim Irsay's latest comments about free agency and the upcoming draft?