With free agency right around the corner, the Indianapolis Colts have the chance to make some key additions to a roster that already has some promise.
Working with some of the most salary-cap space in the NFL this offseason, general manager Chris Ballard and the front office can continue to add pieces to the defensive side of the ball while improving the supporting cast for quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Re-signing some of their own players like Michael Pittman Jr., Grover Stewart and Kenny Moore II will be key. But they also could look around the conference to bring in some outside talent.
We know Ballard isn’t one to make huge splashes in free agency, but they are still going to be an active team even if it means simply adding depth.
After taking a look at potential NFC targets, here’s a look at one pending free agent from each AFC team that should interest the Colts:
Baltimore Ravens | QB Tyler Huntley
Huntley would be a free agent brought in as someone with experience working with RPO concepts as a backup to Anthony Richardson.
Buffalo Bills | DT DaQuan Jones
Regardless of whether the Colts re-sign Grover Stewart (they should), Jones would be an intriguing addition to work as rotational piece at the one-technique to help shore up the run defense.
Cincinnati Bengals | CB Chidobe Awuzie
Awuzie would be an intriguing addition to the secondary as a boundary cornerback to work opposite Julius Brents while pushing Jaylon Jones into more of a rotational CB3/4 role.
Cleveland Browns | OT Geron Christian
Though it wouldn’t be all that inspiring, Christian has the potential to be a swing tackle and competition for second-year offensive lineman Blake Freeland. He’s worked mostly at left tackle but has some experience at right tackle as well.
Denver Broncos | TE Adam Trautman
If the Colts wanted to add some cheaper competition to the Y tight end position, Trautman could be a target. He’s a solid blocking tight end and is athletic enough to be a check-down target in the short/intermediate areas of the field.
Houston Texans | DE Jonathan Greenard
It’s unlikely the Colts would be willing to pay up for Greenard but if Ballard is feeling frisky, the 26-year-old would be a fantastic addition to the pass-rushing corps.
Indianapolis Colts | DT Grover Stewart
Yes, we’re including the Colts here. The obvious choice is Michael Pittman Jr., but he’s expected to return either on a new deal or the franchise tag. Stewart is the next man up in terms of priority free agents. The Colts simply cannot let him get away.
Jacksonville Jaguars | G Ezra Cleveland
If the Colts wanted to pay up for some competition at right guard, Cleveland could be an option. He’s played left guard for the majority of his career but spent his rookie season at right guard.
Kansas City Chiefs | CB L'Jarius Sneed
We’re going to bend the rules a little bit here. Sneed would technically be a trade-for candidate after the Chiefs tag him if they don’t sign him to an extension. A second-round pick would get the job done most likely, and it would give the Colts a strong cornerback pairing on the boundary.
Las Vegas Raiders | OT Jermaine Eluemunor
Eluemunor has been a swing tackle for the majority of his career, but he’s been a strong starting left tackle in each of the last two seasons. The Colts already have their bookend tackles for 2024, but Eluemunor would be an ideal swing tackle to compete with Blake Freeland.
Los Angeles Chargers | S Alohi Gilman
He only has one season as a full-time player, but Gilman proved he has a nose for the football with two interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2023.
Miami Dolphins | DT Christian Wilkins
It seems Wilkins is going to avoid the franchise tag and even though it’s unlikely the Colts make a splash move to sign him, they have to at least consider adding an elite talent who produces at high levels both as a pass-rusher and a run defender.
New England Patriots | CB Myles Bryant
If the Colts can’t re-sign Kenny Moore II, a cheaper option could be Bryant. He’s a strong run defender from the slot and has shown flashes of strong coverage as well even if he’s inconsistent.
New York Jets | DE Bryce Huff
It’s unlikely to happen considering Huff is going to be highly sought after in free agency. But Huff would be an exceptional, albeit expensive, addition to a pass rush that needs more consistency in generating pressure.
Pittsburgh Steelers | OT Chukwuma Okorafor
Okorafor would be a viable swing tackle option to compete with Blake Freeland considering his extensive experience working at both tackle positions.
Tennessee Titans | DE Denico Autry
Autry has made life for the Colts a living hell ever since they allowed him to walk in free agency a few years ago. Now 34 years old, a reunion may benefit both sides as long as the past is water under the bridge.
