The first day of free agency saw the Colts sign two new players, re-sign two current free agents, and let another two go. Of course, that was just the first day; there are still two days left for the Colts to make more roster changes. And one of the biggest questions was regarding offensive line standout Will Fries.
Fries has been steadily improving each year since being named a starter in 2022, up until last season, when he was named the best right guard in the NFL. A tibia fracture cut his season short, however, and Fries was out the rest of the season. Making matters worse is that he was set to be a free agent, bringing into question how much longer he would remain in Indianapolis. Would general manager Christopher Ballard keep an injured Fries on the roster, gambling that he would be able to come back just as strong as before?
In short, the answer seems to be no. Fries has signed with the Minnesota Vikings. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that he signed a five-year, $88 million contract, and will be leaving the Colts.
"Guard Will Fries is headed to the #Vikings for five years and $88 million, sources told ESPN.Jeremy Fowler
One of the top interior linemen on the market is now off the board."
As Fowler noted, Fries was a high-demand free agent, and it was no secret that there were numerous teams interested. That Fries might leave was a known possibility, but it strikes a blow to the Colts nonetheless.
This makes the rumored Mekhi Becton signing even more important now; with Fries gone, that leaves just Mark Glowinski to fill his incredibly large shoes, and let's face it... Glowinski just isn't up to the challenge. Becton has been named one of the top 50 free agents in the NFL, and while it will likely take a significant pay raise to lure Becton away from the Eagles, it's worth the money, now more than ever.