2021 NFL Free Agency – Colts Edition

I wanted to wait until the start of free agency before even suggesting what the Colts should do, as pre-free agency cuts and franchise tagging exist. A lot of the players I coveted are already off the market even before the start of free agency, including Allen Robinson (tagged), Chris Godwin (tagged), Romeo Okwara (re-signed), Jonnu Smith (signed with Patriots), and many others. Based on Chris Ballard’s history, we won’t overpay for someone, so I had already ruled out J.J. Watt. Now with the start of free agency, here are my favorite targets:

1. Kenny Golladay, WR – The Lions had a choice to franchise tag Golladay, but they decided not to do so. Golladay had been seeking a long-term contract worth north of $18 million per season, but negotiations stalled last fall after the receiver market was thrown into disarray by the coronavirus pandemic. We need an elite receiver, especially if the beloved T.Y. Hilton decides not to return to the Colts. Golladay can go up and get it, and would be a great WR1, with Pittman Jr. still young and developing as WR2. Signing Golladay would give Wentz a weapon similar to Alshon Jeffrey, but better. It is not very likely, as big splash free agent signings aren’t the Colts’ MO, but it’s fun to dream about. My other receiving options would be John Brown (see below) or Curtis Samuel.
2. Carl Lawson, EDGE – I was shook when the Bengals decided not to tag Lawson. He was a top 20 edge in the league and has underrated quickness for his size. Lawson isn’t as flashy as Barrett or Okwara, but he’ll get the job done and is very effective. With Justin Houston, Denico Autry, and even Al-Quadin Muhammad testing free agency and Turay leaning more towards a bust, pass rush is a need at this point. We cannot just let Buckner do all the work on the front line. This position group definitely will be scouted through and through for the NFL draft.
3. Trent Williams, LT – This guy will command one of the biggest salaries on the Colts, but if we are able to land him on a short-term contract before having to pay our homegrown players like Nelson and Leonard, that would be ideal. He’s coming off a great season and, even though replacing Castonzo is tough, he would make this line the best in the league. My other favorite options at left tackle are the recently released Riley Reiff and Alejandro Villanueva. My gut feeling is Ballard will find a left tackle in this year’s NFL draft as high as the first round.
4. Dan Arnold, TE – Most casual football fans would not know this name, but he is a baller who is 6’6 and 220 lbs. The arrival of Hopkins stunted his growth, and he could be a solid piece for Wentz as a ‘move’ tight end. Doyle and Alie-Cox are better blockers at this point in their career, and a tight end who could stretch the field would give Wentz more options. My other favorites here are Hunter Henry (injury-prone but best TE available) and Wentz’s old teammate Zach Ertz. Ertz may have lost a step, but he is still a good receiving option at this point in his career.
5. Shaquill Griffin, CB – Signing Griffin will be a game changer, even if it costs a pretty penny. He will command a high salary, but he is the best free agent corner available, and cornerback is definitely a need for the Colts, as Xavier Rhodes most likely will not return. My other options include Richard Sherman and Chidobe Awuzie, who are utterly terrible man coverage corners. Luckily, we play a Cover 3-based zone defense, and that is what they excel in.
6. John Brown, WR – Only because he mentioned he was interested in playing for the Colts. He can be a T.Y. Hilton replacement as a deep route specialist, but he won’t move the needle if he is asked to do too much of other things.
7. Gerald Everett, TE – My second favorite realistic option at TE, Everett succeeded in the Rams’ offense and posed as a receiving threat. Having him as a third or fourth option behind Pittman, Golladay (hopefully), and Parris Campbell when healthy would give the Colts a lot of weapons for Wentz.

As for players the Colts re-sign, I believe they will let most of them test free agency, as they are not game-changing players or the cost to bring them back may not be worth the money, including Anthony Walker Jr., Malik Hooker, Jacoby Brissett, Justin Houston, Xavier Rhodes, Zach Pascal, and Marlon Mack. I hope T.Y. Hilton returns on a home discount, but that is not likely as he can make more money elsewhere. The start of free agency is very exciting, but it is usually the other teams signing the big names right off the bat, with Bargain Bin Ballard stepping in after, picking up some cheap deals on veterans and players who are looked over.

March 15, 2021 | Categories: Uncategorized | Leave a comment