As the Colts watch other teams play for Super Bowl yet again, it’s time to start looking ahead to the 2025 roster. The Colts finalized a contract with new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and while he was not my first choice, it was a solid decision. My choice was Dennis Allen, but it appears he is headed for Chicago to join forces with Ben Johnson and his inaugural season.
We have identified four main areas of need. While tight end is the main need, they will most likely entertain that in the draft, as the top tight end talent is deep. The four spots can always be filled in the draft, but some free agency moves will be necessary.
Backup Quarterback
One could argue this roster spot is the singular most important, as 2025 will be a “playoffs or bust” type of season. Two of the biggest criticisms of Richardson have been his availability and growth. Both reasons for the franchise to look for stability in this position. You will either need competition or security for Richardson. I am in the camp of competition and really challenging Richardson to not only be better but consistently better.
Joe Flacco is not expected to return next season, and Sam Ehlinger is also an upcoming free agent. Whether Ehlinger comes back is up in the air, but keeping him seems logical. It allows a consistent voice to Richardson, and then make the backup one of competition.
Steelers QB/Justin Fields
The pipe dream that all Colts have been dreaming of for the upcoming season is poaching Fields from the Steelers. I do believe this is an unrealistic option, but it’s rumored that Chris Ballard has been enamored with him since he was drafted. Fields has been both a starter and backup with Chicago and, most recently, Pittsburgh. He is the top QB on the market at this very moment. More will emerge, but if you want to truly get Richardson some real competition, Fields is the best option.
Patriots QB/Jacoby Brissett
Not my favorite choice but for the sake of content, it just makes too much sense. Brissett returned to New England last season and was the starter to begin the season. He relinquished that title to the now permanent franchise quarterback Drake Maye. New England brought in Mike Vrabel as their new head coach and completely new staff as well. Could Brissett return? Sure, but new voices could swing him elsewhere.
Brissett was part of the rotation of the band-aid rotation of quarterbacks that Ballard implemented after the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck. Brissett started 30 games from 2017-2020. Brissett can offer some competition but also a strong voice to help Richardson in his development. Brissett is a grinder and if there are truly work ethic problems, Brissett could be someone to lean on to help change his ways.
Backup Running Back
This year showed that the re-signing of Trey Sermon was not the answer for this team. Sermon accounted for less than 275 total yards of offense. The other back they used, Tyler Goodson, was even less impactful. He accounted for just over 200 yards of total offense. Barely-used Evan Hull was claimed by Pittsburgh after the season.
This is an area of immediate need. The team has re-signed Tyler Goodson to a one-year extension already this offseason, but the contract has no guarantees, so they can get out of it if he does not make the team. The team will most likely grab a promising prospect in the draft, but they could also sign a veteran to take the load off of Jonathan Taylor.
Packers RB/AJ Dillon
The Colts inquired last season about bringing him on the roster. Dillon decided to re-sign in Green Bay instead, and then suffered a season-ending neck injury. He was supposed to be paired with Josh Jacobs last season, and now could look to pair with Jonathan Taylor. It makes too much sense. He can fill in when Taylor needs rest or gets hurt (no full season since 2021), and can handle a starter's load. It's not clear how bad his neck injury was, but you could get him a cheap price. This is an easy decision for Bargain Bin Ballard.
Broncos RB/Javonte Williams
Not sure what the plans are for Javonte Williams in Denver just yet. After a stellar rookie season and a devastating knee in his sophomore season, Williams has seen his usage decline in Denver. While it may not be from his talent, current head coach Sean Payton has used a committee since he arrived. Others have emerged, and it might be time for a fresh start for Williams. Like Dillon, he can handle either a starter or reserve role and make an impact, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield as well. He had 52 receptions last season, which was the most of his career.
Edge Rusher
There are too many roster decisions to mention here, especially with the Colts finalizing the deal with new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Say what you want about Anarumo last season in Cincinnati; I chalked it up to poor personnel decisions because of the money they are paying Joe Burrow, along with the imminent extension headed to JaMarr Chase. At some point, you must pay less money somewhere, and we saw that on defense in Cincinnati.
It's not all doom and gloom for this Indianapolis defense. Honestly, anything was an upgrade from Gus Bradley. Anarumo transformed the Bengals' Trey Henderickson into an All-Pro this past season. While not his forte, he can unquestionably coach up the edge rushers on this team.
Chiefs LB/Josh Uche
The former Patriot and now-Kansas City Chief after a mid-season trade sent him to Kansas City has had a relatively quiet career so far, only touching the double-digit sack number once. He recorded 12 sacks in 2022, and has not had more three any other season. He has never been a full-time starter, but has shown flashes. The uncertainty of the returning linebackers could open an opportunity for Uche this season in Indianapolis... not to mention, he could be scooped up for reasonable price as well.
Saints DE/Chase Young
A once-promising prospect out of Ohio State, Young struggled to stay healthy, and in turn, has bounced around the past couple of years. After being drafted as the #2 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Young is now on his third team, and will be a free agent this offseason. With the crowded room this season, they are looking for someone to emerge with Laiatu Latu. Kwity Paye is in a contract year and Dayo Odeyingbo is a free agent this offseason. Ballard talked about bringing in competition, and this is a perfect signing for that argument.
Secondary
It was not hard to see last season how deep the need in the secondary this upcoming season is. Outside of their inability to stop the run last season, the depth in secondary was a weakness. While you can always look to the draft (and they will), this is a spot that needs some veteran presence and competition. Amaruno has spent nearly all his time as an assistant as a secondary coach. He is known for constantly changing the defense to confuse the quarterbacks.
Look for the Colts to really change up the roster here. Julian Blackmon is a free agent and not expected to return. Both Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas will be in contract years next season. Corners Kenny Moore and Jaylon Jones will return. JuJu Brents hopes to as well, as he missed nearly the entire season with a knee injury.
Bills CB/Rasual Douglas
Whether the Bills choose to deliver a raise to Douglas or not is unknown. The Bills are said to be restructuring the contract of superstar quarterback Josh Allen, which could command even more salary cap. Buffalo has insurance with capable guys, but they're thin at the same time. Their problems can be solved with draft picks.
What is known is the impact he could make to this squad this season in Indianapolis. The oversized cornerback is what Ballard looks for in the position. I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s competition. It’s also tried-and-true competition. All gloves are off for this secondary, and if you are not producing, then get out of the way. Douglas can bring some stability to the cornerbacks this coming season.
Bengals S/Vonn Bell
I know, it’s a cop-out pick but sometimes bringing in guys that know your scheme and tendencies is the best decision. On top of that, Bell is a veteran. This team is young and in need of a strong locker room voice. Bell can assist in the teaching of the scheme and act as the mentor to this defense. Bell has been healthy as well nearly his entire career. Anarumo needs a familiar face to lean on and get this group on an accelerated learning curve, and Bell can be that player for this franchise.