The Indianapolis Colts are still at risk of losing a coach or two this offseason. While every team that had a head coaching vacancy that would have seemed to fit defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo decided to pass on the DC, Indy might still lose an offensive coach or two.
Passing game coordinator Alex Tanney reportedly interviewed with the New York Giants on Friday for the open offensive coordinator spot, and Jim Bob Cooter, the current OC for Indianapolis, is set to interview on Sunday. Cooter's move would seem to be a lateral one, but he would have expanded responsibility in New York as the play-caller.
No offense to head coach Shane Steichen, but a move to the Giants would be good for either Tanney or Cooter because they would be working under the far more successful John Harbaugh. Harbaugh was fired by the Baltimore Ravens this offseason and was almost immediately hired by the Giants.
Four Indianapolis Colts free agents who could make their way to the New York Giants
Success in New York with Harbaugh would make Tanney or Cooter look great and likely eventually set them up for head coaching opportunities of their own. But to help them succeed, they might want to take a few Indianapolis Colts free agents with them.
Wide receiver Alec Pierce
Everyone wants Pierce, right? He is 6'3" and super fast and has led the NFL in yards per catch in each of the past two seasons. The only thing he was truly lacking was more targets, of which he is unlikely to get with Indy. Shane Steichen's offense just isn't built in a way to give one player 140 targets. If it were, Pierce should be the guy.
The Giants have a good wideout in Malik Nabers, but coupling Nabers with Pierce instantly makes ascending second-year pro quarterback Jaxson Dart's job easier. The explosiveness of the New York offense would increase greatly, and with better offensive line efficiency, Dart to Pierce could become a staple of elite Giants play.
The potentially positive part for Colts fans is that New York doesn't have a ton of cap room and likely cannot get into a bidding war for Pierce. The hope is that even though he won't get targeted as much as he should, he wants to play home games inside at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Tight end Mo Alie-Cox
Alie-Cox isn't going to be an important receiving threat, and he is closer to the end of his career at age 33. What he offers aligns with head coach John Harbaugh's vision of toughness. Alie-Cox should help an underwhelming right side of the offensive line with his excellent blocking.
The tight end can also teach what should be an ever-younger Giants roster how to be professional football players. Alie-Cox is the kind of glue guy every team needs, and he is excellent in the locker room. Harbaugh could use more players like him.
Offensive lineman Danny Pinter
Pinter hasn't yet been counted on to be an every-game starter, and he might not be in New York, either, but he would be a solid backup on an O-line that is fairly weak on the right side. He also offers positional flexibility and has played center and right guard. New York has needs at both spots.
Pinter could also help implement Alex Tanney or Jim Bob Cooter's offensive scheme, as the blocking elements are unlikely to change much from what the Colts run and what the Giants would run. That kind of familiarity in blocking assignments is always helpful from one team to another.
Right tackle Braden Smith
Besides Pierce, Smith would be the next most important free agent pick-up from Indy to New York. He is a provingly good right tackle, among the best at his position in the NFL. The issues that the New York Giants have had on the right side of their line would all but disappear with the signing of Smith.
The Indianapolis Colts also might not need Smith anymore. He isn't old (he will turn 30 in March), but Indy likely already has his replacement on the roster in the person of Jalen Travis.
Moving on from Smith now and having Travis play right tackle would be the right and less expensive move. Smith could command as much as $15 million a year in free agency, but with a little work, the Giants could afford that.