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How will Chris Ballard’s no-extension mentality impact Colts 2024 free agents?

Chris Ballard made it clear the Indianapolis Colts aren’t interested in extending players after last season. How will that affect Indy’s pending free agents?

By Kurt Breidenstein

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Indianapolis Colts v Philadelphia Eagles / Michael Owens/GettyImages
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Tier two pending Colts free agents

S Julian Blackmon

Blackmon’s future has become puzzling to the fans because of the emergence of Rodney Thomas II. With Thomas and fellow safety (and 2022 draftee) Nick Cross already on the roster, some are wondering what the future holds for Julian Blackmon. It is expected that Blackmon will start Week 1 over Nick Cross at the strong safety position, but will the Colts look to move Blackmon at the deadline for a Day 3 draft pick and let Cross and Thomas take the reins? Could this be a showcase for Blackmon before the deadline? Keeping three young safeties is fine but will Blackmon be ok being part of a rotation?

Prediction: If no deal is found at the deadline, he will test free agency

RB Zack Moss

I can’t think of a Colts player with a bigger year ahead of him than Zack Moss. Acquired via trade last season with Buffalo, Moss was supposed to help carry the load with Jonathan Taylor. With the ensuing uncertainty surrounding Taylor, the running back-by-committee approach will be relied upon this season and the head of that committee will most likely be Zack Moss. Whether or not he plans to have a future in Indianapolis, it’s imperative that he has a starter-like season so he can either take the reins in Indianapolis or get another opportunity elsewhere.

Prediction: New Contract Extension- 1yr/$5 million

EDGE Tyquan Lewis

The verdict is still out on the 2018 second-round pick out of Ohio State. A toe injury hampered his season in 2018 and then two season ending knee injuries in 2021 and 2022 have kept Lewis on the sidelines for most of his career. His only full injury-free season was 2020 and he showed flashes of his talent and ability to disrupt the pass. Ballard has continued to believe in his talent with back-to-back one-year contracts, and with the weak depth at pass rush this season, a breakout season for Lewis could spur him with some stability and a long term contract.

Prediction: Will test free agency

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