Despite Chris Ballard’s statement on Matt Pryor, experts still want Colts to sign a left tackle
Many media members who cover the NFL feel the Indianapolis Colts still need to sign a left tackle in free agency.
Chris Ballard recently said that Matt Pryor will get the first opportunity to start at left tackle for the Indianapolis Colts. Pryor re-signed to Indy on a one-year deal earlier in the offseason.
Despite Ballard’s commitment to Pryor, many still feel the Colts should acquire a left tackle. Pryor has limited experience in his three-year career, but Ballard and Indianapolis were impressed by what they saw from him in his appearances last season.
With $21 million in cap space and multiple veteran left tackles still available in free agency, some believe Indy would be better off rolling the dice on someone with more experience.
Nick Shook, of NFL.com, feels that the best fit at left tackle for the Colts is Duane Brown. Brown is a five-time Pro Bowler and will be entering his 15th season next year.
Duane Brown makes so much sense for #Colts to pursue now.
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 21, 2022
With Matt Ryan in Indy, it’s a priority to get a top blindside protector.
Duane Brown was named a good fit for Colts
Brown will turn 37 in August but despite his age, he is still playing good football at the tackle position. Last season with the Seattle Seahawks, Brown played in all 17 games and was selected to the Pro Bowl.
That Pro Bowl selection came 10 years after his first earned trip to a Pro Bowl, so he has been dominating for a long time.
Brown spent nine and a half years with the Houston Texans before he was traded to Seattle where he helped protect Russell Wilson. With the Seahawks headed towards a rebuild, Brown enters free agency looking for a new home.
The Colts could definitely use a player of Brown’s caliber, and at his age, it’s unlikely that he commands a large contract. So if Indy wanted to spend some of its remaining cap space on a one or two-year deal for Brown, it could.
However, Indianapolis hasn’t made that move yet and the team seems comfortable rolling into the year with Matt Pryor. If the Colts don’t sign a veteran at tackle they will likely use a draft pick to get another one on the roster.
