After two days of the legal tampering period, here’s a look at the players the Indianapolis Colts added and lost, and also the rumors surrounding the team.
On Monday, the NFL’s legal tampering period started. That’s a two-day period where teams are allowed to speak with soon-to-be unrestricted free agents and negotiate contracts. It’s essentially the unofficial start of free agency with the official start of free agency coming on Wednesday. While nothing agreed to in the legal tampering period is binding, several teams have already made moves that they’re comfortable will soon become official.
The Indianapolis Colts weren't as involved early, but that’s typical of them. However, on Monday evening, and Tuesday evening, Indianapolis started to get involved in a big way. As the team prepares for the official start of free agency, let’s take a look at the moves that already transpired.
Colts signings -Tampering period
• Tyquan Lewis, DE, one-year, $1.25 million
After spending all five seasons of his NFL career with Indianapolis, Tyquan Lewis has re-signed for another year. Coming off a season where Lewis only played in seven games and recorded one sack, he is hoping to remain healthy so that he could be a consistent pass rusher for the Colts.
• EJ Speed, LB, two-year, $8 million
There was a chance that EJ Speed could join another team in free agency and possibly get a bigger role, but considering how deep this free agency linebacker class is, it probably made sense for Speed to return to Indy. The Colts are certainly grateful to have him back as they can maintain their quality linebacker depth.
• Matt Gay, K, four-year, $22.5 million
Agreeing on a deal with Matt Gay was the biggest acquisition for Indianapolis during the legal tampering period and also the biggest free agency deal for a kicker ever. While some fans were unhappy to see Chris Ballard aggressively targeting a kicker, Indy was able to address a need with the best available player at the position.
• Samson Ebukam, DE, three-year, $27 million
Indianapolis agreed on a three-year deal with talented defensive end, Samson Ebukam. Ebukam started 26 of the 32 games he played over the last two seasons with the elite San Francisco 49ers defense. In those two years, Ebukam recorded 9.5 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, and 24 quarterback hits. He’ll now help Indy’s pass rush.
Colts departures - Tampering period
• Bobby Okereke, LB, New York Giants, four-year, $40 million
This was one of the moves that everyone saw coming. With Shaq Leonard and Zaire Franklin under contract in Indianapolis, there was no way Indy would be able to sign linebacker Bobby Okereke. After four seasons in Indianapolis, Okereke established himself as one of the better linebackers in the league, so surely several teams would be willing to sign him.
The Chicago Bears were expected to be Okereke’s landing spot because of his connection with Matt Eberflus and Chicago’s defensive coaching staff, but the Bears instead signed TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. So, Okereke agreed to join the New York Giants.
• Stephon Gilmore traded to the Dallas Cowboys
On Tuesday, the Colts traded veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round compensatory pick. This move helped Indianapolis clear cap space and also allowed Gilmore to join a Cowboys team that is expected to be more competitive than Indy next season.
This puts Indianapolis’ secondary in a very tough spot. Through the draft and free agency, the Colts must rebuild depth at the corner position.
• Colts released veteran quarterback Matt Ryan
This move was inevitable. After just one season, that involved Matt Ryan being benched twice, Indianapolis released Matt Ryan with one season remaining on his contract. Ryan will now enter free agency as he tries to find his next destination and the Colts will clear $17 million in cap space after cutting him.
Colts free agency rumors - Tampering period
• Indy could be trading more veterans
Stephon Gilmore and Matt Ryan may not be the only veterans that the Colts are moving on from. Prior to the Gilmore trade, it was reported that Indianapolis was considering moving several veteran starters. The two starters that were named were center Ryan Kelly and tight end Mo Alie-Cox. However, it’s expected that Indy is willing to part ways with more than just those two guys and that was demonstrated in the Gilmore trade.
While Ryan Kelly makes sense because of his contract, and Mo Alie-Cox makes sense because of the emergence of the young tight ends on the Colts, another name to watch is Kenny Moore. Moore is entering the final season of his contract and has a cap hit a little over $8 million. If Indy doesn’t plan on keeping Moore long term, Indianapolis could move Moore to a team that needs help in their secondary and that would allow the Colts to recoup something while also clearing cap space.
• Colts are being linked to Eagles guard Isaac Seumalo
Offensive line was the biggest issue for Indianapolis last season and that’s why the team is being linked to one of the top available interior offensive linemen. Philadelphia Eagles right guard, Isaac Seumalo, is one of the best available guards and a perfect fit in Indianapolis. His former offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen, is now the head coach of the Colts, and a right guard is exactly what Indy needs.
READ MORE: Colts are still in good position to draft a top quarterback