The Indianapolis Colts have big decisions to make this offseason as they find their new identity. Here are 4 free agents they need to re-sign.
This offseason will hopefully reset the identity and focus of the Indianapolis Colts as they look toward the future of the franchise. Hoping not to repeat the disappointments faced in the last two seasons, the Colts will look to the draft and the free agent pool to find their new identity and assemble the pieces to have a successful season.
That could begin with retaining the key talent they have in-house currently. Even though the product on the field hasn’t been exactly what they wanted, there are key individual contributors that Indianapolis could bring back to help smooth the transition. The defense has played well over the last two seasons despite switching coordinators.
In 2021 under Matt Eberflus, the Colts ranked tenth in rushing yards per game and ninth in points per game. In 2022 under Gus Bradley, the team ranked 11th in passing yards per game and 15th in total yards per game. A significant portion of the following free agents come from the defensive side of the ball based on the fact that, at this point, Indy is looking to retain Bradley as the defensive coordinator.
The team has recently blocked him from interviewing with other teams until Indianapolis can hire a new head coach. Once the new head coach is in they can decide who they are keeping on staff and if Bradley is their guy to lead the defense. Nevertheless, maintaining a positive outlook and attitude in the locker room is huge for a team transitioning leadership. Retaining these five players, in no particular order, will not only help with that but should also bring in talent the team will need to find success again.
4. FS Rodney McLeod is likely to re-sign with Colts
Rodney McLeod was a veteran signing last season for depth at a position the Indianapolis Colts struggled with a year prior. Khari Willis retired, George Odum went to the San Francisco 49ers, and Julian Blackmon was coming off a torn Achilles that ended his season after Week 6 in 2021. McLeod joined a safety room that was rather unproven and actually got beat out by rookie Nick Cross for the starting role in Week 1.
McLeod stayed strong and ended up winning the starting role back in Week 3 and never looked back. The 2022 NFL season marked McLeod’s 11th year in the league, having played on three teams. At 32 years old, this didn’t stop McLeod from setting career numbers. With the Colts he set his career high in total tackles (98), tackles for loss (8), and pass deflections (8). He also scored the first touchdown of his career off an interception return in the final game of the season. He seemed to find success in Bradley’s system and could see continued success next season.
McLeod will turn 33 by the time next season rolls around. According to Spotrac, his current market value is $1.7 million. He is coming off of a $1.1 million contract with Indy and could probably sign for something similar if he doesn’t retire. His veteran presence would be an added boost in the locker room for a team looking for leadership and connection. He would also be a mentor to Blackmon, Cross, and Rodney Thomas II who started to show out toward the end of the season.