The two major events of the NFL offseason are behind us as free agency has given and taken the bulk of its available resources, and the NFL Draft is two weeks in the rear-view mirror. Free agents still roam, and trades can still occur, but for the most part, teams are looking ahead to developing over the summer, leading into training camp.
In the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and the Indianapolis Colts are heading into the heat of their summers, but the new season will come quickly. All four teams added pieces to their roster outside of the draft, but some additions were better than others.
As for the Colts, they chose to focus on adding depth rather than big names. Compared to their division rivals' moves, where do they rank in terms of which of the four teams has had the best offseason to date?
Quality vs. quantity reflects where the Indianapolis Colts sit in these AFC South division rankings
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars were one of the least active teams in the free agent market as far as outside signings are concerned, with just one: Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB). The handful of other signings were re-signings of their own free agents. One outside signing is a head scratcher under almost all circumstances, but the Jaguars were up against the cap and chose a restrained path.
As the reigning division champions, the Jaguars are expected to repeat next season, despite losing two key players in free agency, Travis Etienne Jr. (RB) and Devin Lloyd (LB). Still, due to the lack of activity in free agency, the Jaguars drop to the bottom of the list in their division for the offseason. That said, it doesn't necessarily mean they still won't be leading their division when it's time to play.
3. Indianapolis Colts
The two biggest moves the Colts made were retaining Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. Both players were atop the Colts' priority list, and despite Pierce having suters in the numbers, he decided Indianapolis was where he wanted to be. After that, it was all about depth with notable signings of Arden Key (LB), Michael Clemons (DE), and Juanyeh Thomas (S).
The Colts also addressed some holes in the draft, hoping to develop those players. That said, the Colts didn't go after any veteran presence, which may turn out to be a misfire.
The fact that the Colts focused on depth where they needed it most is a good thing, but the choice of some of the players they signed is questionable. Indianapolis has done a lot thus far, but whether it's been enough is also questionable.
2. Tennessee Titans
If this rankings list were about who had the best draft, the Titans would be at the top. Selecting Carnell Tate (WR) and Keldric Faulk (G) were Grade A decisions toward the development of Cam Ward, who needs to take a big step forward at quarterback next season. The Titans also added another weapon in Wan’Dale Robinson (WR) in free agency.
Of the four division teams, the Titans have been the most active in free-agent signings (the quality of their signings gives them the edge over the Colts, despite both teams signing a long list of players). Tennessee's two biggest signings were corners Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor, but quality over quantity in general is why the Titans are just on spot shy of the No. 1 spot on this list.
1. Houston Texans
The Texans finished last season as the NFL's best defense, and they'll enter next season with the same title hanging over their heads. In general, the Texans boast one of the league's strongest rosters, with their only weakness coming mainly on offense, but those can be solved with health and better players from C.J. Stroud at quarterback.
In free agency, the Texans hit several big home runs, including massive signings of Reed Blankenship (S) and David Montgomery (RB), and extending Danielle Hunter (DE) and Will Anderson Jr. (DE).
Locking up Hunter and Anderson will be huge, but signing Blankenship is also a significant move, and these moves will only keep the Texans' defense rolling. Not to mention, it would appear that their offensive line should be the best they've had on the field in a while.
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