The hype of free agency has come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 15th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s talk about the Indianapolis Colts.
Indianapolis Colts
Key acquisitions: DE Samson Ebukam, DT Taven Bryan, K Matt Gay, QB Gardner Minshew, WR Isaiah McKenzie
Re-signed: DE Tyquan Lewis, LB E.J. Speed, WR Ashton Dulin
Departures: QB Matt Ryan, LB Bobby Okereke (Giants), CB Stephon Gilmore (Cowboys), WR Parris Campbell (Giants), T Matt Pryor (49ers), CB Brandon Facyson (Raiders), DT Byron Cowart (Chiefs)
Remaining free agents: DE Yannick Ngakoue, S Rodney McLeod, DE Ben Banogu, T Dennis Kelly
Analysis: I think the Colts have finally come to their senses and have embraced being a rebuilding team. After back to back to back failed veteran long term QB signings, they’re turning their focus to the draft for their next franchise player rather than free agency. They also toned it down on the spending this year, signing a couple defensive starters, and solving their kicker issue, while giving them another bridge QB option. They definitely lost more than they gained, so let’s talk about it.
After trading a third-round pick for Matt Ryan last year, he was released at the start of the league year, ending his time in Indianapolis, and likely his career. He is temporarily replaced by dependable backup Gardner Minshew, who’s shined as a starter at times, but isn’t a likely long term starter, just a plug-and-play guy who will give you a spark every once and a while. It may not always be pretty, but at least it’ll be fun.
There is a large void at starting linebacker with Bobby Okereke signing a multi-year deal with the Giants. He worked his way up to the starting lineup and was a stud for several seasons. They’ll rely on E.J. Speed, who was brought back and played well in place of an injured Shaquille Leonard.
After a bounce-back season, Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Cowboys for a fifth-round pick, creating a void in the secondary that also has Rodney McLeod still on the street. They also brought in former first-round defensive tackle Taven Bryan, who spent four years with the Jaguars before spending last season with the Browns. Yannick Ngakoue, their team sack leader, is still a free agent and in his prime at 28 years old.
With all these departures, the Colts lost three of their top four defensive snap leaders.
They also gave former Rams kicker Matt Gay the largest free agent kicker contract in history to finally address their yearly kicker needs.
Isaiah McKenzie was a late cut by the Bills, but he’s a real solid player who can make an offense creative and dynamic.
Conclusion: A very underwhelming 4-12-1 season was finally enough to accept their fate and start anew. The fourth overall pick may not be enough to get the rookie QB you really want, but there’s a ton of buzz around this team selecting Will Levis out of Kentucky, so we shall see what happens come draft night.
This team still needs a ton of work at all levels, but I’m glad to see they’ll be starting their rebuild. I’ve been a fan of this team’s front office for years with their smart drafting and free agent moves (outside of quarterback), so I’m keen on seeing where this all goes.
Football Nerds 