Grading the Colts’ New Free-Agent Additions
The Indianapolis Colts have been more active than usual in free agency. Thus far, there have been a total of five outside signings to add depth to the roster on all sides of the ball.
While none have been blockbuster-level, they’ve made sense and have an upside for potentially bigger payoffs. With free agents fresh on the brain, let’s get into the grades for each new player that general manager Chris Ballard has signed.
Samson Ebukam | DE | ex-San Francisco Niners
Grade: A
These are mere opinions for the grades, but this one was a slam dunk for Ballard.
The Colts also put faith in Ebukam with a three-year, $27 million deal with around $11 in the first season.
Indianapolis did have to out-bid the Houston Texans to get Ebukam, but it will be worth the contract. He is chaotic at the point of attack and has a well-rounded skill set that could blossom into something special.
With the young combination of Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo, it’s a great addition to putting Ebukam in the mix. Through six years, Ebukam compiled 23.5 sacks and 28 tackles for a loss.
These aren’t numbers to blind anybody with, but he’s been a rotational piece most of the time. With Indianapolis, he’ll likely start and could have the constant motor to produce 10-plus sacks.
Look for Ebukam to make an impact and potentially have a career season in Lucas Oil Stadium.
Matt Gay | K | ex-Los Angeles Rams
Grade: A-
A kicker signing isn’t entertaining to most. But it makes more sense when you’ve been on a roller coaster at the position like the Colts have in recent years.
Since 2019 Indianapolis has not had stability in any manner at kicker. First, legendary scoring machine Adam Vinatieri faceplanted with 68% efficiency on FGs (17/25), then Rodrigo Blankenship wouldn’t provide clutch boots or consistent makes, followed by journeyman Chase McGlaughlin in 2022. While it’s fair to say Chase played well with the circumstances, he’s nothing close to Matt Gay.
Ballard was done worrying about the kicker. He showed this by signing Gay to a four-year, $22.5 million deal. It is also the largest deal for a free-agency kicker in the league’s history.
All that needs displaying are the numbers through four seasons for Gay:
- 23/23 from FGs 20-29 yards
- 17/23 from FGs 50+ yards
- 138/145 XPs
- Long make of 58 yards
Those are about as consistent as a kicker can be. Tack on that; he’s been a ridiculous 94.1 and 93.3% on field goals the past two years, and the Colts don’t need to think about points from their kicker anymore. For the Colts, this is a welcome signing.
Gardner Minshew | QB | ex-Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: B
There’s a new coach with Shane Steichen, and likely a rookie quarterback joining him. The importance of a solid backup/bridge QB that can mentor is crucial. Enter Gardner Minshew.
Minshew was inked up for a one-year, fully guaranteed $3.5 million deal with incentives.
The Colts had a brutal year at quarterback in 2022, rotating with Matt Ryan, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger. While it’s expected that Foles won’t be with the team, Ehlinger will. However, he’s simply too young to mentor a rookie signal-caller.
Whether the prospect the Colts possibly take is day-one ready or sits, Minshew is about as good an insurance policy that a coach can find in the league.
His work in Philadelphia with Steichen over the last two seasons makes this a great match. Ultimately, the Colts did this with Minshew to benefit the youngster they will likely draft to lead the team.
Isaiah McKenzie | WR | ex-Buffalo Bills
Grade: B
The Colts were dried up at the wide receiver position after the New York Giants picked up Parris Campbell. With this crucial need, the Colts turned to a veteran receiver from a dominant offense. Isaiah McKenzie brings a unique skill set to a team that had nothing to show for explosive plays in 2022.
The veteran of seven seasons, McKenzie can do everything for Indianapolis.
He’s returned punts/kicks, caught 141 passes for 11 touchdowns, and played parts in the running game (47 rushes for 230 yards and four scores).
The Colts showed McKenzie a one-year, $1.08 million contract with a $152,500 bonus upon signing.
This isn’t a massive deal, and it gives McKenzie a chance to show his worth. Look for him to be used in many ways with Steichen’s offense.
Taven Bryan | DT | ex-Cleveland Browns
Grade: C
Bryan has been with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Browns in his short five-year career. Through that time, the athletic tackle has recorded 8.5 sacks, 112 tackles, and 17 tackles for a loss.
Bryan's main role will be as a pass-rushing rotational piece for DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart in the trenches. Along with Ebukam, he could fit decently into the mix so that Indianapolis never stops the pressure should one of the aforementioned starters need a rest.
The Colts gave Bryan the prove-it deal of one year for around $4.5 million total.
Bryan is very capable athletically, but it will be seen how big of an impact he can make in his depth role in Indianapolis.
With free agency still going through the motions and areas still needing addressing, don’t be surprised if the Colts continue to add from outside sources to bulk up much-needed depth.
