7 Free Agent Fits for Each Colts Offensive Position

The Indianapolis Colts are likely going to address some offensive roster needs in free agency.

Author:
Drake Wally
Publish date:
Mar 10, 2024 8:00 AM EDT

In this story:

NFL Free Agency is about to begin, and the Indianapolis Colts have several offensive needs for more depth and talent. As head coach Shane Steichen takes command of what could be a potent attack featuring a healthy quarterback in Anthony Richardson, there are still areas to fill to make the offense more whole.

With this in mind, it's time to break down all seven positions on offense for the Colts and a realistic free agent signing that could occur. Whether the acquisition is for starting-level players or depth, these aren't for show. Instead, it's for whatever the 53-man roster needs for that spot. Of course, we start with the most important position on the field, the quarterback.

Quarterback | Tyrod Taylor

Likely, Gardner Minshew won't be in a Colts uniform when the 2024 regular season begins. The former sixth-round pick did well for Indianapolis but probably will cost more than general manager Chris Ballard wants to pay. Per Spotrac, Minshew's value is $5.3 million annually. However, after his Pro Bowl nomination, I feel this will be more around $7 million annually. Indy won't fork that over for a backup.

Enter Tyrod Taylor. The veteran fits Richardson's skillset better and is an equally reliable backup option. The former Buffalo Bills starter and Pro Bowler played for the New York Giants in 2023 and did what he could with an abysmal offense around him. Also, he'll probably only cost $3-4 million annually.

This signing makes way more sense, given that the Colts want to save all the money they can to retain more important stars like defensive tackle Grover Stewart, cornerback Kenny Moore II, and strong safety Julian Blackmon.

Running Back | Zack Moss

It might not be exciting, but if Indy wants to sign a free-agent running back to complement Jonathan Taylor, they should keep Zack Moss. As seen around the league, top backs like Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard will be available for running back-needy teams to pay. This development drastically drops Moss' value.

Moss did a stellar job while filling in for Taylor at the beginning of 2023. Despite this, Moss isn't anywhere near Taylor's capabilities as a runner. Also, Evan Hull is coming off missing nearly all of his rookie season and could be a great receiving back in Steichen's offense. With these factors in play, Indy should make this one easy and retain Moss. His market value on Spotrac is only $4.6 million, and he already knows the scheme well.

Tackle | Cameron Fleming

Colts swing tackle Blake Freeland struggled while filling in for Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith during the 2023 season. The BYU product posted 42.6 pass blocking and 47.6 run blocking grades, per Pro Football Focus. These metrics aren't reliable enough for the Colts to trust Freeland going into 2024. While the young blocker may need more time to develop, he also needs someone to compete with him for the respective backup role.

That's where former Denver Broncos veteran tackle Cameron Fleming comes in. Drafted in the fourth round in 2014, Fleming has started 62 career games and has a wealth of experience to bring to the table. What better way to cement if a young draft pick is worth it than bringing in a grizzled veteran looking to prove he still belongs? This one makes sense and Fleming will barely put a dent in the available cap space.

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Guard | Dalton Risner

The Colts' guard situation is a story of two tales. On the left is Quenton Nelson, who isn't going anywhere and is a top blocker at the position. However, the right guard spot was cemented by Will Fries in 2023. After a suspect 2022, Fries showcased good enough performances to complement the talent around him and kept the starting role on the depth chart. Even though Fries did well, he has to keep that consistency up on a team that must run the ball like Indianapolis. The best way to ensure this is competition.

Current free-agent guard Dalton Risner makes perfect sense to compete with Fries. The former Broncos blocker played last year for the Minnesota Vikings. He started 11 games for the Vikings and has 73 starts for his five-year career. Risner also cost Minnesota a mere $3 million for his services.

Now, is Risner a star? No. But neither is Fries yet. To acquire a guard that still has something to prove and is under 30 years old for cheap is a smart move. Indianapolis should make Risner in a Colts uniform a reality for 2024. Even if he doesn't start, the Colts either confirm Fries is the man or get a veteran like Risner to block beside Ryan Kelly and Smith.

Center | Will Clapp

The Colts' center position currently looks secure on the depth chart. Kelly, backup Wesley French, and recently extended Jack Anderson compile the spot from top to bottom. But if Ballard somehow wants to bring in someone to push the backup spot, Will Clapp makes some sense here.

Drafted in 2018 by the New Orleans Saints, Clapp has played his last two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. Last season, he started 11 games and put up around sub-average blocking numbers. The best news about this potential signing is the price and the age. Clapp made only $1.18 million last season and is 28 years old. This acquisition makes certain that the position behind Pro Bowler Kelly is secure in case the starter goes down at any moment.

Tight End | Tyler Kroft

The Colts' tight end room has names like Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, and Mo Alie-Cox occupying the depth chart. Now, with the news of Drew Ogletree's case emerging, they might be evaluating him to return. If Indy can't obtain Georgia tight end Brock Bowers in the 2024 NFL Draft, they could be okay with who they have on the roster already. But, if they choose to address anything for a tight end in free agency, don't expect it to be a big name. Indy still needs a reliable blocker in the room, and Tyler Kroft fits this.

Kroft played for the Miami Dolphins in 2023 and is a blocking specialist that the Colts may be interested in. Through his nine-year career, Kroft has caught 105 passes for 1,081 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Standing at 6'6" and weighing around 260 pounds, Kroft could be a red-zone threat and provide the blocking Indy's been missing at tight end. Also, if Kroft is signed, Indy will likely cut ties with Alie-Cox.

Wide Receiver | Marques Valdes-Scantling

The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce at the top of their wide receiver depth chart. However, past these names, there's a bit of a depth issue. Indeed, Ashton Dulin didn't get an opportunity to play in 2023 due to an ACL tear, but he isn't reliable enough to be a consistent threat down the field and is still more of a special teams ace than a pass-catcher. If Indianapolis wants explosive talents at wideout, they should look the way of Marques Valdes-Scantling.

Better known as "MVS," the former fifth-round selection is a big play waiting to happen. While he's shown issues with focus drops, he is still one of the fastest receivers in the NFL. MVS started his career with the Green Bay Packers and led the league in yards per catch (20.9) in 2020. With the Kansas City Chiefs, he complemented Patrick Mahome's arm well and averaged at least 15 yards per reception in 2022 and 2023.

Through his six seasons as a pro, he has 186 catches for 3,155 yards, 16 touchdowns, and an average per reception of 17.0. Assuming the Colts dip into the loaded wide receiver class of the 2024 NFL draft to address pass-catcher, MVS is the explosive player that can help open up other opportunities underneath for quarterback Richardson.

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