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.
Here’s a look at one pending free agent from each NFC team that should interest the Colts:
1
Arizona Cardinals | WR Marquise Brown
The Cardinals don’t have many pending free agents that will warrant attraction so we’ll go with Brown. The Colts will wisely avoid overpaying for Brown, but it would be a bit interesting if they grabbed him on a one-year deal. It’s unlikely, but Brown is the best free agent the Cardinals have.
2
Atlanta Falcons | DT Calais Campbell
There’s a chance Campbell retires considering the fact that he’s 37 years old, but the man has aged like a fine Chianti Classico. Adding him to the rotation on the interior defensive line with DeForest Buckner and Grovert Stewart (assuming he’s re-signed) would be lethal.
3
Carolina Panthers | S Jeremy Chinn
My heart wanted to put Brian Burns here but, alas, it is nothing but a pipe dream. Chinn is an intriguing fit for the Colts in a safety room that needs talent and depth. He could be a nice low-cost option in the safety/linebacker hybrid role.
4
Chicago Bears | CB Jaylon Johnson
If the Colts somehow landed Johnson, it would give them a formidable cornerback room with the chance to focus on adding explosive offensive talent early in the draft. The Colts should double-dip at the position, regardless, but Johnson is the type of splash the front office should make. Darnell Mooney is another option on the low-cost, high-upside avenue.
5
Dallas Cowboys | DE Dorance Armstrong
Though he would be a bit more expensive, Armstrong would be a fantastic replacement for Tyquan Lewis, who may find a new home in free agency. Armstrong has extreme versatility to line up at various spots on the edge, including at the wide-nine where he could back up Samson Ebukam.
6
Detroit Lions | G Graham Glasgow
Glasgow would be an intriguing addition to compete with Will Fries at right guard. He’s looking for more money than he made in 2023 ($2.75 million), but the 31-year-old is an exceptional run blocker with solid pass-blocking skills.
7
Green Bay Packers | CB Keisean Nixon
A two-time All-Pro First-Team selection as a kick returner in each of the last two seasons, Nixon’s value comes on special teams. However, he also shows promise as a rotational slot cornerback, and he could be a nice backup to Kenny Moore II if the latter is re-signed.
8
Los Angeles Rams | S Jordan Fuller
An interesting sleeper in free agency, Fuller could help the Colts shore up their free safety position. It would allow Nick Cross to slide over the strong safety spot while Fuller’s ball-hawking skills as a deep zone safety would be put on full display.
9
Minnesota Vikings | G Dalton Risner
The Colts had a chance to sign Risner last offseason but ultimately passed. Still, he has provided solid production in both phases of blocking and could be nice competition for Will Fries at right guard.
10
New Orleans Saints | OT Andrus Peat
Though it wouldn’t be an inspiring signing, the veteran offensive lineman could provide some competition with Blake Freeland for the backup left tackle spot. He also has extensive experience working at left guard.
11
New York Giants | QB Tyrod Taylor
Assuming the Colts don’t re-sign Gardner Minshew, the ideal backup for Anthony Richardson would be Taylor. He has extensive experience with RPO concepts and even as a starter from his days with the Buffalo Bills and as a spot starter with the Giants.
12
Philadelphia Eagles | G Sua Opeta
Opeta made six starts—five at right guard, one at left guard—for the Eagles in 2023. He would provide nice competition for Will Fries or solid depth at both guard spots if he reunited with Shane Steichen.
13
San Francisco 49ers | DE Chase Young
Though he’s dealt with injuries, Young showed brilliant flashes down the stretch in 2023 and would be worthy of a splash, one-year deal to work in the rotation alongside Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo.
14
Seattle Seahawks | C Evan Brown
Brown has starting experience working at all three interior spots and spent the 2023 season as the starting center for Seattle. He could compete at right guard with Will Fries and potentially take over as the center after the 2024 season depending on what happens with Ryan Kelly.
15
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | G Aaron Stinnie
Injuries have kept Stinnie off the field constantly, but he has shown some promise as a depth player along the interior offensive line.
16
Washington Commanders | S Kamren Curl
Potentially one of the most underrated players to hit the market is Curl. Entering his age-25 season, Curl would be an upgrade at the safety position given his versatility to work both as a split-zone and box safety. It would be a bigger splash than Chris Ballard typically makes, but Curl has youth, talent and upside on his profile.
