The Indianapolis Colts are likely going into free agency next week with massive needs at the game’s most important positions. Chiefly among those will be the left tackle spot.
As veteran Eric Fisher is expected to hit the market after the two sides failed to agree on a new contract, the Colts are likely going into free agency needing to fill the hole at left tackle.
There are plenty of options to consider, and Pro Football Focus named former Seattle Seahawks left tackle Duane Brown as the perfect match in free agency:
The Colts went with a one-year, veteran stopgap at left tackle last offseason in Eric Fisher. Brown would likely be in a similar situation on a one- or two-year deal if Indianapolis was looking to make a change at the position and Seattle couldn’t keep Brown in the midst of trying to retain Quandre Diggs and D.J. Reed.
Brown’s 71.5 PFF grade in 2021 was his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2008, but the 36-year-old is still a reliable pass protector who does a good job of avoiding negative plays in the run game. We’ve seen high-end tackles like Andrew Whitworth and Jason Peters play well into their late 30s. There’s no reason Brown can’t join that group and be a strong short-term starting option on a Colts offensive line that already has plenty of other pieces in place.
Following the trade of Carson Wentz, which doesn’t become official until Wednesday, the Colts have the most salary-cap space in the NFL by a wide margin.
This could lead them to pay up for a veteran like Brown or Terron Armstead even if they don’t have a quarterback yet. Having that kind of offensive line would be an attractive spot for just about any option available to them.
Investing serious money at four spots on the offensive line will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion but finding a viable left tackle shouldn’t be up for debate.
It will be interesting to see how the Colts go about finding a left tackle this offseason but Brown is very likely to be on their radar.
Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)
