Colts predicted to get defensive help in free agency

Experts are predicting a big free agency for the Indianapolis Colts on the defensive side of the ball.

The Indianapolis Colts have a big offseason ahead of them. There’s a ton of noise surrounding the quarterback position, turnover on the coaching staff, and Super Bowl expectations.

In order to compete for a Super Bowl during the season, teams must set themselves up with their offseason decisions. The bulk of offseason moves will come in free agency.

Indianapolis can use some big free agency signings. With an already talented roster, the Colts only need to target a few positions: left tackle, receiver, and pass rusher.

Many think Indy is going to be aggressive going after receivers so it can build an explosive offense, but some experts see them taking a different approach this offseason.

In PFF’s predicted landing spots for the top 50 free agents, they felt the Colts’ big signings would be edge rusher, Randy Gregory, and cornerback, Casey Hayward.

Colts predicted to sign Randy Gregory and Casey Hayward

A Casey Hayward signing makes a lot of sense and has been predicted a lot considering Hayward’s connections to Indy’s defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and defensive backs coach, Ron Milus.

Hayward played for Bradley and Milus with the Los Angeles Chargers and followed them to the Las Vegas Raiders last season. The Colts’ need for a veteran corner makes it likely that Hayward will follow his coaches once again.

If Indianapolis can sign Randy Gregory for two years and $25 million, it should be done. The Colts have been searching for an upgrade at defensive end but have been unable to find a consistent answer.

Gregory can provide that. Since being reinstated in the NFL in 2020, Gregory has played in 22 games, recording 9.5 sacks, 40 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 29 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles, and one interception.

At just 29 years old, Gregory can offer a lot to the Colts for multiple seasons. He can also be an established veteran pass rusher while Indy’s younger defensive linemen continue to develop.

A consistent pass rush will help Indy’s defense go to the next level and that’s what the team needs. As far as Indianapolis’ need for a receiver, if the team strikes out in free agency, they can land some talented prospects in the draft.

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