ESPN's Top Remaining Free Agents Contain Familiar Faces

The Indianapolis Colts were relatively quiet during the March free agency period, but that doesn't mean they are finished making moves.

Matt Bowen of ESPN compiled a list of the top-remaining free agents, and there were a pair of names at the top familiar to the Colts.

Bowen had former Colts edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue No. 1 followed by cornerback Rock Ya-Sin at No. 2. Ironically, Ya-Sin was traded by the Colts to the Raiders for Ngakoue.

Ngakoue had 9.5 sacks in 2022, bringing his total to 65 over eight NFL seasons. Given his subpar tape as a run defender, however, he should be targeted as a situational pass-rusher, a role in which he can use his top-end traits to win on the edge: burst off the ball, hand usage and the ability to bend around offensive tackles. We know NFL teams value edge rushers, and so Ngakoue will have a market even if he tops out as a pass-rusher on nickel snaps. -- Matt Bowen, ESPN+

The Colts may have tipped their hand that Ngakoue didn't have a future in Indianapolis when they signed Samson Ebukam to a three-year $27-million deal last month.

$9-million per season was roughly what Ngakoue was making last season with the Colts. While Ngakoue has produced sacks with every team he's played for, he's also been a liability against the run.

Indianapolis is hoping they can get better run support from Ebukam who graded 65.5 last season by Pro Football Focus compared to Ngakoue's paltry 43.7 run-defense grade.

The Colts are also in need of a cornerback after trading away Stephon Gilmore, but they don't seem to be in any hurry for a reunion with Ya-Sin.

He'll be 27 this season, but would he be a good fit with the Colts?

Ya-Sin has just two interceptions over his four pro seasons, but with press-man traits, zone awareness and a competitive playing style, he is a physical corner who can disrupt at the line of scrimmage and tackle. The 2019 second-round pick had seven pass breakups last season, and he allowed just one touchdown catch as the nearest defender in coverage, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. -- Matt Bowen, ESPN+

The Colts are still in good shape financially with the sixth-most available salary cap space according to Spotrac. With the Ravens signing Odell Beckham Jr. any-fleeting hope of Lamar Jackson coming to Indianapolis seems to be gone.

Indianapolis doesn't need to hoard cash for a mega deal with Jackson, but they also don't need to pay market value for players they know intimately that are still available.

That Ngakoue and Ya-Sin are considered by ESPN the No. 1 and No. 2 available available free agents doesn't mean the Colts agree.

They seem content to wait for the NFL Draft on April 27th before addressing any remaining holes on their roster via free agency.