Nearly three weeks into free agency, the Colts’ 2025 roster is quickly taking shape. One group that will definitely look different next year is the offensive line. Indianapolis lost a pair of key starters in Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, as both signed new contracts with the Minnesota Vikings. Given the tricky quarterback situation and the importance of the running game, a solid offensive line is a necessity.
The Colts, as it stands today, have filled four of the five starting spots on the o-line, with players ranging from above-average to elite. PFF’s No. 8 offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann and three-time All-Pro Quenton Nelson have the left side locked down. 2024 fourth-rounder Tanor Bartolini should replace Kelly at center, while six-year veteran Braden Smith returns at right tackle after restructuring his contract.
Unfortunately, there’s still one question mark remaining — right guard. Fries, the team’s former starter, earned an $88 million payday from the Vikings this offseason due to his standout play. Indianapolis couldn’t (or wouldn’t) match that offer, so the Colts are now on the hunt for an alternative. Let’s evaluate their options.
Options on the current roster
The most likely scenario is that 2024 third-round pick Matt Goncalves will transition from offensive tackle to guard. Goncalves impressed in his rookie year as the backup swing tackle, and the Colts believe that he has the versatility to play inside as well. However, he has minimal guard experience at either the collegiate or professional level, so it's hard to be confident in him.
Beyond Goncalves, Indianapolis also has 2024 undrafted rookie Dalton Tucker and the recently re-signed Danny Pinter on the roster. Tucker and Pinter are useful depth pieces, but neither is ready to be a full-time starter.
In-house free agents
The Colts already have some experience with trying to replace Fries after he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 5 last year. Tucker was the immediate fix, but he struggled, and the team was forced to bring back veteran Mark Glowinski. The 32-year-old former longtime starter provided much-needed stability in a pinch.
Indianapolis has yet to re-sign Glowinski for 2025 and, while he’s past his prime, he’s more competent than Tucker or Pinter, and more experienced than Goncalves. Of course, at this stage of his career, Glowinski would only be a temporary solution.
Outside free agents
If the Colts are willing to pay up for a right guard, then a few options are available in free agency. Per PFF, Brandon Scherff, Will Hernandez, and Dalton Risner are the highest-ranked guards still on the market. All three are capable starters with a track record of success on their former teams.
While a new signing is the team’s best chance at acquiring proven talent, there are risks. First, Spotrac projects that Scherff, Hernandez, and Risner all have market values ranging from $3-7 million per year. That’s way more expensive than Glowinski, while other alternatives are already on the payroll. Second, any external hire would still have concerns related to age, injury, or inconsistency. Indianapolis must decide whether gambling on one of these players is worth the money.
Prospects in the draft
The 2025 NFL Draft could be the perfect opportunity for the Colts to add some youth. This year’s class of guards is top-heavy, so Indianapolis would have to pick one early if they want to land an instant starter.
The media apparently agrees. Multiple recent mock drafts have linked the Colts to the top interior offensive line prospects, including Tyler Booker, Grey Zabel, and Donovan Jackson. Indianapolis could draft their starting right guard for the next decade in April, but it’ll cost them a first- or second-round pick.
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