The Indianapolis Colts have 66 million dollars in cap space this year, a general manager’s dream, but do not let that number fool you.
They do not have a starting-caliber quarterback under contract.
They definitely could look at re-signing Jacoby Brissett, but I think if they want to contend they need to be more aggressive.
I would say they should sign Dak Prescott, but he is most likely going to demand $40 million per year, and coming off of an injury I am not sure how smart of a signing that would be.
I would rather see them make a big move in the draft to take one of these talented rookie quarterbacks or even trade for Sam Darnold, who would greatly benefit from their offensive line and strong defense.
The Colts’ head coach Frank Reich developed Carson Wentz and once Reich left, Wentz’s play was on the decline.
It is not that crazy to believe he could do something similar for Darnold, a talented quarterback who plays very similarly to Carson Wentz.
I am getting ahead of myself, those are very hypothetical situations; let me give you 3 realistic free agent signings that Indianapolis should make.
1. Chris Godwin (WR)
The Colts’ most obvious need is explosiveness on the perimeter.
TY Hilton is old, injury prone, and his contract is up this year.
Michael Pittman should develop into a nice receiver down in the next couple of years, but signing one of the most talented receivers in the league to help whichever guy is under center next year has to be an appealing idea for Frank Reich.
Godwin had had a bumpy season because of injuries and the number of mouths for Tom Brady to feed in Tampa Bay.
In 2019 he looked like the most promising young receiver in the league and he still showed glimpses of that talent this year.
In the first three years of his career, he had a total of 179 catches and four drops; one of the lowest drop rates in the league.
This year, including the postseason, he has had 79 catches and nine drops, but do not worry, it can be explained.
In week seven in a game against the Raiders, he fractured his index finger and only missed one game.
It may take months for that finger to completely heal and it does not help that he has probably caught thousands of passes in practice since that injury.
His speed, route-running, and underrated IQ have still been on full display; he has even made a few spectacular catches.
Put him in Indianapolis with no finger to worry about, and the excitement of being the clear cut number one option, and I am sure he will flourish into the top-five receiver that it seemed like he was destined to be.
Chris Godwin is unreal 🔥
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/jWvuMn6aHY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 24, 2021
2. Trey Hendrickson (Edge)
The Colts and Saints are both well-run and well-coached organizations.
Trey Hendrickson would fit in perfectly with the Colts’ culture.
More importantly, Indianapolis’s biggest hole on defense this past year was a presence off of the edge.
Hendrickson would bring an ability to rush the passer as well as solid run-defense for a reasonable price of $10-$12 million per year; this seems like a no-brainer to me.
Trey Hendrickson Stats (Career):
•45 GP
•19 Games Missed
•65 TKL
•18 TFL
•43 QBH
•20 SCK#Saints fans, let him walk or bring him back? pic.twitter.com/mJXxoHVOzS— Michael Balko (@MichaelBalkoJr) January 24, 2021
Hendrickson benefitted from Cam Jordan’s talent and he will be able to benefit from Deforest Buckner’s ability to rush the passer in Indianapolis.
3. Xavier Rhodes (Cornerback)
The Colts revitalized Rhodes’s career after having two very disappointing seasons in a row.
in 2017, he was a first-team all-pro and deservedly so, but regressed majorly in 2018 and 2019.
The Colts signed him to a one-year prove-it deal and he impressed.
Xavier Rhodes was outstanding this year for Indy. Thought he was at his best in the short-intermediate area of the field. Here are a few of his best pass breakups on in-breaking passes in that short to intermediate zone pic.twitter.com/CQiIZMJxB0
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) January 18, 2021
Whether or not this bounce-back year was mainly because of his talent or more so because of the team, they should make it a big priority to not let him walk.
Fortunately, for the Colts I think other teams will be nervous to sign him to a deal in the double digits because of his play in 2018 and 2019.
NEXT: Is Andrew Luck A Hall Of Famer? (3 Reasons Why He Isn't)
