The Indianapolis Colts fans were treated to a head-spinning free agency frenzy.
Both stars and lesser-known players are now on the roster.
All are expected to improve last season’s disappointing 7-9 performance and 3rd place finish in the AFC South.
Here are the 3 takeaways from the Colts busy free agency spree.
1. The Colts spent big money, mostly on defense
GM Chris Ballard’s spending bonanza brings DT DeForest Buckner to the team at a whopping cost of $84 million for 4 years.
Defense was clearly a priority as Sheldon Day, Xavier Rhodes, and TJ Carrie were also swiped from the free agency ranks.
Colts’ free agency so far:
Re-signed:
— Anthony Castonzo
— Le’Raven ClarkNew arrivals:
— Philip Rivers
— DeForest Buckner
— Sheldon Day
— Xavier RhodesCut:
— Pierre Desir (now w/ NYJ)
— Margus HuntSigned elsewhere:
— Eric Ebron (PIT)
— Devin Funchess (GB)
— Joe Haeg (TB)— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 26, 2020
Their arrival makes the Colts defense a force to reckon with.
That was not the case with last year’s Colts D.
Ranked #17 overall, the defense allowed an average of 21.7 points per game.
They tallied 15 interceptions resulting in 1 TD and 14 forced fumbles.
On the offensive side of the ball, Philip Rivers was signed by Indy, reuniting him with Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni.
His 1-year deal worth $25 million signifies that it is now or never.
Colts fans wonder why a big name WR was not signed for Rivers.
It must mean the team has faith in the current pool of receivers led by two who ended the season on IR: T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell (last year’s 2nd round draft pick).
The team signed Zach Pascal to a one-year extension (through 2020).
He was the bright spot in 2019 finishing with 41 receptions, 607 yards, and 5 TDs.
Or the Colts could be planning to draft one or two young WRs to plug into the system.
2. The pool of Colts free agents not resigned by the team is full
Clearly, the grass is greener elsewhere as the Colts shopped for free agents released from other teams.
11 free agents are still available from last year’s Colts roster.
The most notable name on the list is K Adam Vinatieri.
2020 would be 47 year old Vinatieri’s 25th NFL season.
The NFL’s all-time leading scorer, Adam Vinatieri, was in the Colts’ facility after the season, rehabbing after knee surgery. The 47-year-old has not ruled out a 25th season + likely wants to return. Colts will wait to make a decision until Vinatieri is further along in rehab.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 31, 2020
In 2019, he converted 17 of 22 field-goal attempts and 22 of 28 extra points before injuring his knee.
He was placed on IR on December 9, 2019.
3 WR’s are also among the unsigned.
They are Dontrelle Inman, Marcus Johnson, and Chester Rogers.
Inman had an injury-shortened stint with the Chargers in 2019.
Marcus Johnson has been ping-ponged around the league spending time with the Eagles, Seahawks, and Colts; some of that time was on the practice squad.
Chester Rogers was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Colts in 2016.
He spent 3 seasons with the team and started last season as the 4th WR on the roster.
He suffered a knee fracture and was placed on IR on December 2, 2019.
3. The first round of the draft will be a snoozefest for Colts fans.
Unless there are some draft day dramatics, the Colts do not have a first-round pick.
They have 7 picks scattered in 5 rounds.
The Colts had the 13th overall pick in the draft, but it was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for Buckner.
The team’s earliest pick is the 2nd pick of the 2nd round (34th overall).
They will play a waiting game to see what happens in the 1st round and may attempt to nab Utah State QB Jordan Love if he is still available.
The biggest takeaway the Colts want from the offseason free-agent frenzy is a division win and a playoff berth.
Hopefully, the assembled team delivers.
