On Friday, the New Orleans Saints surprisingly decided to cut three-time Pro Bowl right guard Larry Warford.
It seems like a bit of an odd move by New Orleans, but they saved a good chunk in cap space by cutting him.
Source: The #Saints have cut guard Larry Warford, who will be one of the top FAs available.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 8, 2020
There will likely be multiple organizations interested in Warford, but should the Indianapolis Colts be one of them?
Indy already has one of the best offensive lines in football, but Warford could actually be an upgrade to their team.
The Colts have the cap room to make a deal happen, but is this the best move for the organization?
Who is Larry Warford?
Warford was drafted in the third round by the Detroit Lions during the 2013 NFL Draft.
He spent his first four seasons in Detroit, making 57 starts for the team.
Warford signed a four-year $34 million deal with the Saints during March of 2017.
He made 44 starts for the Saints and landed himself three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
The 28-year-old is now a highly coveted player by many teams around the league.
Warford would be an upgrade to most organizations and it shouldn’t take too long before he’s back on an NFL roster.
Do the Colts Need Warford?
The right guard spot in Indy is currently filled by Mark Glowinski, who made 16 starts for the team last season.
He was ranked as 57th best graded guard with a +60.5 grade overall this past season.
Glowinski allowed three sacks, 42 quarterback pressures, and committed 10 penalties during the 2019 campaign.
This double from McCoy & Warford vs. Vea is incredible.
Warford gives a great assist and McCoy's pad level, hand placement, & hips are textbook. Standing up 350+ & putting him on his back? 👀😯💪 pic.twitter.com/CIcxhkkHnL
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) November 19, 2019
Meanwhile, Warford was ranked as 13th best graded guard with a +73.1 grade overall last season.
He allowed three sacks, 32 quarterback pressures, and committed six penalties through 15 games in 2019.
Warford is a natural fit in the Colts zone blocking scheme, so that’s another positive to him.
Right now, opposing teams target Glowinski knowing that he is the weakest link on the offensive line.
He’s not a bad player, but when you’re given a chance to upgrade at a position, why not take it.
Can the Colts Afford Warford?
The biggest signing the Colts made this offseason was signing Philip Rivers to a one-year $25 million deal.
They also made a trade for defensive end DeForest Buckner who is making an average of $21 million per season.
However, the Colts still have $24.2 million of cap space this offseason.
That is beyond the amount the Colts should need in order to sign Warford.
The Colts still have Glowinski under contract for the next two seasons, but his contract is affordable.
They owe him $5 million this season and $4.7 million for the following year.
In the worst-case scenario, the Colts could always find a trade partner for Glowinski if they decide to sign Warford.
Should Indy Sign Warford?
Warford is going to have plenty of suitors, but the Colts should throw their hat into the mix.
They shouldn’t overpay for Warford, but if the deal makes sense, do it.
The Colts have the cap space to sign him and the goal is to put together the best team possible.
Signing Warford gives the Colts a better offensive line, so they should at least consider it.
Glowinski is a decent guard, but it’s hard to pass on a chance to sign a Pro Bowl talent like Warford.
Leave a Reply