The Indianapolis Colts have taken to the draft rather than free agency, but are there a few players that can still improve the 2021 roster?
The Indianapolis Colts have opted in recent years to build through the draft and largely stay out of the free-agent market when it comes to spending big. The free agency frenzy right before the draft in mid-March is not a carousel general manager Chris Ballard likes to partake in.
With the departure of Anthony Castonzo this offseason, the left tackle position became a hot topic. Would they would address it in the tackle rich draft, or would they sign an outside guy? The Colts brought in former first overall pick Eric Fisher from the Chiefs after an Achilles tear ended his season. They also brought in a few other offense tackles in Sam Tevi from the Chargers and Julién Davenport from Miami. They also addressed some key positions with defensive end signing Isaac Rochell as well as the addition of defensive tackle Antwaun Woods.
The Colts re-signed a few players and let others walk in free agency. They brought back Xavier Rhodes after a resurgent season that saw the dominant play on a young defense that needed veteran leadership. They also brought back T.J Carrie, a veteran who saw a lot of time on the field and someone who played very well under Matt Eberflus’ system. They also let go of a few players such as Malik Hooker, Denico Autry, and Anthony Walker, all of whom went to contenders.
Once again, Ballard made shrewd additions in the draft and added cost-effective free agents, but perhaps a few more veterans can help out the team ahead of Week 1.
These remaining free agents could help the Colts.
3. KJ Wright
With the departure of Walker to Cleveland, the Colts could use a veteran linebacker on the cheap. Wright, 32, would be looking for a short-term deal similar to what Justin Houston signed in 2019. His average salary according to Spotrac, over the past four years is just over $7 million making him a bargain for the talent he is.
Wright has still remained one of the best tacklers in the NFL and is exactly what the Colts could use on the outside. Eberflus has always talked about hustling and making sure to swarm the ball, and Wright still does that at an elite level. Last season, Wright he 86 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.
That’d be pretty good alongside Darius Leonard, right?