It’s not officially the offseason for the NFL yet, but the offseason has started for the Indianapolis Colts. Indy was a Week 18 win away from the postseason, but a lost to the Houston Texans sent them on vacation early. Still, the Colts made significant progress with first-year head coach Shane Steichen. They improved their win total by five games and was a play away from being AFC South champions.
Now that a new standard is set, there will be expectations in place heading into next season. In order to reach those expectations, Indianapolis needs a great offseason to address the things that are holding the team back from reaching the next level. What exactly are those things?
Bleacher Report recently answered that question for all 32 teams. They listed the five biggest weaknesses plaguing each team, as well as a free agent target and draft target. For the Colts, the weakness listed from one to five were: cornerback, safety, edge, tight end, and wide receiver. The top free agency target named was Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson and the draft prospect listed was UCLA edge defender Laiatu Latu.
Jaylon Johnson named best free agent for Colts
This is all a fair assessment. Although the draft is still a few months away, everyone already expects Indianapolis to take a corner, edge defender, or receiver, unless Brock Bowers is somehow available at No. 15. But free agency comes before the draft, so Indy could address some of its needs with veterans.
Jaylon Johnson will certainly address the need of a top corner. After four years with the Chicago Bears, Johnson has established himself as a top corner, being named to his first Pro Bowl this season. Chicago has had the opportunity to extend him but they haven’t done it yet. If he does ultimately enter free agency, he’ll be a great pickup for the Colts.
Even if Indianapolis lands Jaylon Johnson, the team will still have some work to do so that it can contend for a Super Bowl next season.