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Mapping out the perfect offseason for the Colts

By Brad Marr

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 02: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys attempts to catch the ball as Bradley Roby #21 of the New Orleans Saintsdefends in the third quarter of the game at Caesars Superdome on December 02, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 02: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys attempts to catch the ball as Bradley Roby #21 of the New Orleans Saintsdefends in the third quarter of the game at Caesars Superdome on December 02, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) blocks. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Now that the NFL season has come to an end, it’s time to dive into what the Indianapolis Colts’ next moves should be.

The Indianapolis Colts finished the 2021 season with a 9-8 overall record after disappointing performances over the final two games. That included a disastrous performance against the worst team in not only the division but the entire NFL.

Let’s not hang our hats on that for much longer. Instead, it’s time to look at the promising factors of the season and what the Colts can do this offseason in order to take the next step.

With a projected $41 million in cap space for 2022, Indy definitely has some elbow room to work with. Internally, Indianapolis has free agents that need to be re-signed on both offense and defense. There are still other moves to be made to further improve the team.

Here, we’ll be taking a gander at what a perfect offseason would entail for Indianapolis.

Colts develop the offensive line

Signing Quenton Nelson to a long-term extension should be the first move on Chris Ballard’s agenda for the 2022 season. The four-time All-Pro guard and four-time Pro Bowler is looking at a well-deserved hefty extension.

The rumors floating around that Nelson is tradable is one of the most laughable suggestions in the NFL world to date. Losing Big Q would be devastating to the franchise and would probably result in multiple front office and coaching hires.

The Colts also must find answers at left tackle and right guard. Eric Fisher, Mark Glowinski, Chris Reed, Julie’n Davenport, and Sam Tevi are all set to become free agents.

The two positions can be filled via the NFL Draft, but there are free-agent options as well.

At left tackle, Chris Ballard could be eyeing Saints’ pending free agent, Terron Armstead, who’s amongst the NFL’s elite. Armstead is looking to cash in this free agency and the Saints, who have the worst cap space in the league, don’t look like they can make the move to retain the four-time Pro Bowler.

But is this the most viable option?

My answer is no. The NFL draft is full of high-ceiling left tackles this year. The Colts should resist dumping their dollars into the offensive line and instead look to the future talent of the NFL, especially after locking up generational talent, Quenton Nelson.

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