4 new Colts who could be difference-makers in 2024
While the Indianapolis Colts are returning the bulk of their starters and key contributors from last season, there are still plenty of fresh faces who could be thrust into the spotlight in 2024.
While we know new arrivals like Laiatu Latu, Adonai Mitchell, and Raekwon Davis are slated for significant playing time, there are others who may play a bigger role than expected. From free agent signings to exciting rookies, the Colts have key depth pieces capable of stepping up if needed.
Whether it’s due to injury, poor performance, or game situation, let’s take a look at the different personnel that Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen may have to lean on.
Joe Flacco (QB)
Indianapolis fans are all too familiar with the importance of backup quarterbacks. Last year, Gardner Minshew took the Colts to the brink of playoff qualification after 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending injury in Week 5. Minshew’s performance earned him a 2-year $25 million contract from the Las Vegas Raiders, who eventually named him their Week 1 starter for the upcoming season.
With Minshew out of the picture, Indianapolis GM Chris Ballard signed Joe Flacco to be Richardson’s new backup QB. Flacco may be 39 but the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year proved he still has some gas left in the tank when he steered the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs last season.
Given Richardson’s spotty injury history, Flacco offers the Colts some peace of mind, and the former Super Bowl champion will be ready to take over the reins at a moment’s notice.
Matt Goncalves (OL)
The Indianapolis front office loves drafting versatile offensive linemen. Last season, rookie Blake Freeland played over 60% of the snaps on offense, filling in admirably at both tackle spots when starters Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith were out injured.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, Ballard continued that trend, and added Matt Goncalves out of Pitt. Goncalves has the ability to play at left or right tackle, and even at guard, which may come in handy if the Colts’ o-line gets banged up again.
Anthony Gould (WR)
Indianapolis has struggled with receiving depth in recent seasons, and this year may be no different. Given the inconsistent production of Alec Pierce and Ashton Dulin, the unknown quantity that is rookie Adonai Mitchell, and the injury to Josh Downs, Anthony Gould could be an unexpected x-factor with his explosive speed and playmaking.
Selected in the fifth round of April’s draft, Gould also has the potential to be a productive returner on special teams — where he excelled in college — as his skillset makes him a dangerous threat, especially with the new kickoff rules.
Samuel Womack (CB)
After the dust settled on teams’ final 53-man roster cuts, the Colts added Samuel Womack off the waiver wire. Womack played 23 games for the San Francisco 49ers over the past two seasons but was cut ahead of last week’s deadline.
He should immediately fit into the Indianapolis depth chart as the backup slot cornerback behind former Pro Bowler Kenny Moore II. Moore has been a staple of the Colts’ defensive backfield since 2017, but the team will welcome Womack, his experience, and the depth he provides to the DB unit.