Colts' AFC South ranking points to an underwhelming free agency

On one hand, the Indianapolis Colts can come out of this offseason feeling like their mission was accomplished thanks to the return of Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. Both players were at the top of general manager Chris Ballard's priority list, and he got them both back.

On the other hand, the Colts' offseason, as far as free agency is concerned, has drawn out in underwhelming fashion, despite other signings outside of Jones and Pierce. Perhaps that's because Ballard's attention is more on what the Colts can get from the NFL draft than on the free agent market. 

Nevertheless, given how the Colts' division rivals have done with their free-agent moves, it's too soon to say the Colts have done better; in fact, they've been passed up by at least two of their division rivals, and that doesn't paint a pretty picture for next season. 

Who has had the better offseason so far, and where do the Colts rank in their division?

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Of all the moves and signings in the AFC South, the Jaguars have made the fewest roster additions, but that doesn't mean they've dropped the ball. Of all four teams in the division, the Jaguars are the most complete team, despite losing Travis Etienne at running back and linebacker Devin Lloyd. 

Still, the Jaguars' offense remains one of the best, as far as their passing game goes, with Trevor Lawrence looking the best of his career toward the end of last season and a full complement of wide receivers, and their defense will enter next season still one of the NFL's best.

The Jaguars have been quiet this offseason, but they haven't had to be loud, and they'll still be a contender next season and the favourites to win their division. 

2. Houston Texans

The biggest question looming over the Texans this offseason is what's happened to C.J. Stroud, and which version of him will they get next season? Their stability at quarterback is their biggest issue over the moves they made in free agency. Even still, the Texans have done an exceptional job with key additions on both sides of the ball.

Bringing in Reed Blankenship from the Philadelphia Eagles was a home run for the Texans; the five-year safety joined an already elite defense, and Blankenship, along with the sneaky signing of Braden Smith, should only make Houston's defense even greater. Additionally, adding David Montgomery at running back has to inject some life into the offense, and Stroud, making this free agency an 'A' grade for the Texans all around.

3. Indianapolis Colts

While Jones and Pierce were the main targets, the Colts still have holes on both sides of the ball, specifically at wide receiver and linebacker. There is a significant distance between Pierce and the rest of the Colts wideouts. At linebacker, well, Indy hasn't addressed their needs there with any productivity.

That said, the Colts have made moves to shore up their defensive line and add depth to their defensive backfield, and the offseason isn't over, which gives Ballard time to add to the roster. Again, re-signing Jones and Pierce were big, but overall, the Colts have not done enough to match where the Jaguars or Texans are sitting right now, and that could be a major issue next season. 

4. Tennessee Titans

The Titans are last on the list because they have the highest probability of coming in last in the division next season. Not to mention, the biggest moves the Titans have made this offseason have been coaching moves, and unproven coaching moves at that. 

Both Robert Salah and Brian Daboll have proven they're excellent coordinators, but their stints as head coaches haven't gone well. Daboll is back as an offensive coordinator, so there is a chance he can redeem himself with Cam Ward. Salah, on the other hand, will have to try a second time to prove he can coach a team. 

It's not looking good for the Titans next season. That said, maybe the best thing for the Titans above all else is Ward taking a giant step forward.