Obviously, the Indianapolis Colts want Marlon Mack to be the workhorse RB this season.
The Colts have been very active in the free-agent market so a potential free agent RB signing could be in the cards to back up Mack and as an insurance policy in case of injury.
The list is long, but here are 3 free agents that Colts should consider signing.
1. Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
28-year-old Devonta Freeman finished 2019 with 656 rushing yards and 2 TDs.
It was a decent performance, but Freeman found himself in the midst of controversy when he punched Aaron Donald in the Week 7 game against the Chargers.
He was ultimately ejected from the game.
Freeman was in the middle of a 6 year $43 million contract signed in 2017.
He could be considered a salary cap casualty, and his departure paved the way for the Falcons to land Todd Gurley.
Aside from an injury-shortened 2018 when he only played 2 games, Freeman averages between 14 and 16 games each season.
The fact that Devonta Freeman remains unsigned is mind-boggling to me.
I believe his lack of production in 2019 was due to Atlanta’s pass-heavy scheme and lack of commitment and creativity in the run game. On top of that, he’s a former 2x Pro Bowler that you can sign for cheap.
— Cole Topham (@HamAnalysis) April 6, 2020
2. Lamar Miller (Texans)
Lamar Miller did not play in 2019.
He tore his ACL in the preseason and spent the year on IR.
Miller performed well in 2018 making the Pro Bowl while rushing for 973 yards and 5 TDs over 16 games.
Except for his rookie season (2012), Miller has played between 14 and 16 games each season.
During his career, he has rushed between 709 and a career-high 1,099 yards (2014) each season.
At 28 years old, the biggest question marks are whether he is fully recovered from the ACL injury and has not lost a step.
3. Jonathan Williams (Colts)
Jonathan Williams got a lot of reps in the Colts’ backfield last season while Mack was injured with a fractured hand in Weeks 10 and 11.
Williams rushed for an impressive 220 yards on 39 carries with 1 TD during those two games.
At 26, his legs are fresh, and he knows the Colts system.
Even though the team released him, no one would be surprised if he was re-signed.
Jonathan Williams runs angry 😤😤😤 #Colts pic.twitter.com/4A6vHFZZS0
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) November 22, 2019
Current Roster
The current Colts roster shows that Mack is backed up by Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins.
Each scored 2 TDs last year with Hines netting 199 yards and Wilkins rushing for 307 yards.
At 23 and 25, both are young players who are potentially waiting in the wings for their chance to shine as Jonathan Williams did last season.
Could either share the load with Mack?
Other Free Agents
The list is much longer than 3 so the Colts could pursue other notable free agents such as LeSean McCoy (KC), Marshawn Lynch (SEA) and perennial Colt fan-favorite Frank Gore.
All of those veterans are over 30 and most likely have already experienced their best seasons.
With the signing of Rivers, it appears the Colts are aiming high in 2020 so a one year deal with one of these guys could work.
Think about the role Darren Sproles provided over the years for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Could any of these guys fit the bill?
Draft Prospects
The Colts could be shopping for RBs in the upcoming draft.
With 7 picks scattered in 5 rounds, the Colts have overall draft picks numbered at 34, 44, 75, 122, 160, 193, and 197.
Certainly, there will be RBs available.
Will the Colts draft their way into a backup RB?
It is unclear how the Colts will proceed, but it does seem likely that the team will seek outside help at the RB position through one or more of these options.
NEXT: Former Colt Frank Gore Named To 2010's All-Decade Team