4 Players Colts should pursue to replace Eric Fisher

The Indianapolis Colts will have to find a replacement for starting left tackle Eric Fisher.

The Indianapolis Colts are beginning their offseason plans earlier than expected. Towards the back half of the season, it looked like Indy would make a run at the Super Bowl.

After closing the season with two disappointing losses, Indianapolis’ focus is now on the 2022 season.

One of the Colts biggest priorities will be addressing the left tackle position. Veteran Eric Fisher started at the spot this season, but he is set to be a free agent.

After Fisher’s mediocre year, it’s unlikely that Indy will want to bring him back. Especially considering that this free agency class will be loaded with talented tackles and Indianapolis will have the cap space to go after them.

With that in mind, here are 4 tackles Indianapolis should pursue to replace Eric Fisher.

Colts should pursue Duane Brown

Duane Brown has started at left tackle for the Seattle Seahawks the last five seasons, after being traded there from the Houston Texans.

The 14-year veteran played his first nine seasons with Houston, and has been selected to four Pro Bowls in his career.

As Brown has aged, he has continued to be a quality starting tackle. With his current contract coming to an end, Brown has expressed that he isn’t ready to retire and would love to stay in Seattle if the business can be worked out.

However, the NFL has shown countless times that business doesn’t always play out how everyone desires. That means it’s no guarantee that Brown returns to Seattle.

If he and the Seahawks are unable to agree on a deal, Indianapolis should explore the possibility. Brown will be 37 at the start of next season, so he shouldn’t be Indy’s no. 1 target at the position, but he can come in on a one-year deal and offer quality play.

Colts should pursue Terron Armstead

If Indianapolis did have a top target at the tackle position, it should be Terron Armstead. Armstead will be a free agent after playing nine seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

In those nine seasons, Armstead has been regarded as one of the best left tackles in football, while being selected to three Pro Bowls.

Armstead was the trusted protector of Drew Brees’ blindside, but he thrives in pass protection and run blocking.

Adding Armstead to an already strong Colts offensive line will make it undoubtedly the best in the NFL. They’d be able to block for Jonathan Taylor at an elite level while also giving Carson Wentz plenty of time in the pocket.

The biggest challenge of getting Armstead to Indy will be that it’ll likely come down to a bidding war. Armstead will be just 31 years old at the start of next season and is still in his prime.

He is regarded as one of the top free agents of this pending free agency cycle, so he will have a lot of suitors.

Indianapolis is projected to have the eighth-most cap space with just under $46 million this offseason, so the money will be there to offer Armstead. Additionally, the Colts can sell the elite running game as a reason Armstead should join Indy.

Colts should pursue Cam Robinson

Outside of spoiling Indianapolis’ season, there hasn’t been many bright spots for the Jacksonville Jaguars over the last couple of seasons.

One bright spot that the team has had is left tackle Cam Robinson, who played the 2021 season on the franchise tag.

Robinson was drafted 34th overall by Jacksonville in 2017 and he has started at left tackle since, with the exception of 2018 when he tore his ACL.

Aside from the injury, Robinson has been a promising young player for the Jaguars, doing a good job protecting the edge.

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Robinson still has room for growth, but he has been consistent enough to command a market during free agency.

Considering the Jaguars have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft and a rookie left tackle in Walker Little, who played well in three starts, they are likely to allow Robinson to walk in free agency.

That’ll open up the door for the Colts to try and keep Robison in the division. They’ll have the funds to meet any reasonable asking price, and he will be an upgrade at the left tackle position.

Colts should pursue Orlando Brown Jr.

Orlando Brown Jr. would be a phenomenal signing for Indianapolis, but it may be very tough to keep him from re-signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brown is just 25 years old with all the talent in the world and will be entering the first free agency of his career.

He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018 and was starting at right tackle, making the Pro Bowl in his second and third season.

However, Brown desired to be a left tackle due to a commitment to his father, and that ultimately led to him being traded to Kansas City.

With the Chiefs, Brown started 16 games at left tackle and continued his stellar play, protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.

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Kansas City and Brown didn’t work out an extension during the season, but there’s no good reason why he would leave the Chiefs. He’s playing left tackle, they’re contenders, and they somehow find a way to give everyone on their roster a big contract extension.

If for some reason Brown doesn’t immediately re-sign with Kansas City and wants to explore the market, the Colts have to be ready to do everything possible to lure him to the city.

Whether it’s a big contract or proving to him that Indianapolis will be serious a contender, Indy has to be prepared to sell itself as a great destination.

With Browns’ age and skill set, he can be a franchise’s dominant left tackle for the next decade. If that’s with the Colts, it would give them a great chance to consistently compete in the coming years.

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