7 free agent targets the Indianapolis Colts should sign to reach another level in 2025

NFL free agency is less than a week away, and for the Indianapolis Colts - and general manager Chris Ballard in particular - it's do-or-die time. 2024 was a rough year for the Colts, and a big part of the problem was Ballard's terrible approach to signing free agents. Rather than seek out new talent, Ballard was notoriously stingy and focused on keeping the same players as much as possible instead.

Ballard has since repeatedly insisted that he's learned his lesson, and fans will know whether or not that's true within the next few days. But with just shy of $35 million to spend, there's a good amount of money to play with and find some top-tier talent - talent they'll need if the Colts want to get to the next level in 2025.

Charvarius Ward/CB-San Francisco 49ers

Ward has made it very clear that he's itching to leave San Francisco, and he would be a dream target for the Colts. He's one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and the Colts secondary is in desperate need of help. When those players were healthy - which they rarely were - they struggled to stop the run or be productive in any way.

The only potential issue is money; given that Ward is undoubtedly going to be in such high demand, he'll come with a high price tag. But if the price is right, Ballard should not sleep on Charvarius Ward.

Josh Sweat/DE-Philadelphia Eagles

Sweat's performance in the Super Bowl will undoubtedly make him one of the league's most in-demand free agents, and the Eagles might even try to hold on to him, but if he can, Ballard should do whatever he can to lure him away.

The Colts need a strong edge rusher. Laiatu Latu shows a lot of promise, but is still young, Kwity Paye is nothing more than reliable at best, and Dayo Odeyingbo is expected to attract a lot of interest from around the NFL. The Colts currently do not have many weapons on defense as powerful and explosive as Sweat, and he would be a huge asset to the roster in 2025.

Justin Fields/QB-Pittsburgh Steelers

Like the Colts, the Steelers have major questions about their future at quarterback. Will Pittsburgh keep Russell Wilson at the helm, or swerve towards their younger QB2? Both Wilson and Fields are set to be free agents, and as the Colts are looking to bring in competition for Anthony Richardson at QB1, Fields would be a very attractive option.

Fields is a dual-threat passer, like Richardson, with a strong arm and the ability to run, making him a plug-and-play option for Shane Steichen's offense. Of course, that's only if the Colts can get to him - he will be a very in-demand quarterback if the Steelers make the mistake of letting him go.

Zach Ertz/TE-Washington Commanders

Ertz is a key player on the Commanders offense, and as of now, he's expected to stay in Washington. However, could a better offer lure him away? It would be worth the effort to pursue him, as the Colts tight end room is notoriously awful.

The three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion is 34, but he's still playing incredibly well, and his age and experience could serve well as leadership for the younger tight ends already on the Colts roster (Will Mallory and Drew Ogletree). If he can be swayed away, Ballard should snatch him up without hesitation.

Vonn Bell/S-Cincinnati Bengals

The hiring of Lou Anarumo as defensive coordinator for the Colts will likely help attract some free agents from the Bengals, and Wilson could be a good fit for Indianapolis. The Colts are notably in dire need of a safety, and Bell would be a huge asset to Anarumo's defense.

Bell has graced the Bengals roster twice; in his most recent stint, he garnered 55 total tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. In the first go-around, he intercepted a pass from Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship Game, helping Cincinnati get to the Super Bowl. And, bonus? He probably won't come with too heavy a price tag.

Jevon Holland/S-Miami Dolphins

Holland would be a more difficult get than Bell, as he'll cost much more money, but it would be a significant get if Ballard can manage it. He's made it clear that he's likely leaving Miami - they simply cannot afford him - and there is no one in the draft class that can come anywhere near Holland's talent.

Ballard typically doesn't go after such big names in free agency, but Holland would be worth the more aggressive approach. He would pair well with Nick Cross, giving the Colts one of the best safety duos in the NFL, and a defense other teams can fear.

Charles Omenihu/DE-Kansas City Chiefs

Originally drafted by the Texans, Omenihu was notoriously thrilled to play for his hometown team. However, he was eventually traded to the San Francisco 49ers, and the relationship between Omenihu and the Texans was notably poor in the aftermath. “I’m gonna make this clear: I don’t f*** with the Texans organization at all," he said. "And I cannot wait to play them boys. I literally cannot wait.”

Eventually landing in Kansas City, he openly discussed how thrilled he was to defeat the Texans in the playoffs. He had a standout year in 2023, but injuries were an issue in 2024. He could be a great addition to the Colts pass rush, and while a torn ACL kept him off the field for most of the season, he returned to true form by the time the Chiefs got to the playoffs, which should allay any potential fears about his abilities in 2025. And just imagine how much fuel his hatred for the Texans will give him if he's playing for one of their divisional rivals.

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