Colts Can’t Be Cheap with Top Free Agents: Why It’s Time to Invest in the Future
The NFL offseason is a pivotal time for every team, as it presents the opportunity to reshape rosters and set the tone for the upcoming season. For the Indianapolis Colts, this period is especially crucial as they are in a rebuilding phase, with a fresh perspective on both offense and defense. The team has struggled in recent years, failing to consistently compete at a high level, and a big part of that failure can be attributed to their hesitancy in aggressively pursuing top-tier free agents. If the Colts are serious about returning to the top of the AFC South and becoming a Super Bowl contender, they cannot afford to be cheap in free agency this year.
The Colts have historically made some notable moves in free agency, but their track record has been a bit hit-or-miss. Their decisions in this area will have a lasting impact on their chances of success, so it’s imperative that they open their checkbooks when necessary. In this article, we’ll discuss why the Colts can’t afford to be cheap in free agency, and how investing in the right players can help the team get back to prominence.
The State of the Indianapolis Colts
As of the 2024 season, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a transitional phase. With a new head coach in Shane Steichen, the team is retooling its roster, aiming to return to the playoff contention that once seemed like a given in the Andrew Luck era. After Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019, the Colts have been searching for stability at the quarterback position. Their most recent attempt, rookie Anthony Richardson, is a promising young talent, but he is still developing and will need the right support to thrive.
The Colts’ defense has also been inconsistent, with standout players like linebacker Shaquille Leonard and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner leading the charge, but they’ve lacked depth and playmaking across the board. While the offensive line has been a strength in past seasons, it has deteriorated recently, with key injuries and underperformance hurting the team’s ability to establish a balanced attack.
To fix these issues, the Colts need to invest in free agency and surround their young quarterback with proven veterans who can lead the way. But they cannot afford to be hesitant in their approach. They need to spend wisely but decisively, and that requires a bold mindset.
Why the Colts Can’t Afford to Be Cheap
- The Need for Immediate Improvement
In today’s NFL, the window for success is narrow, and teams can’t afford to wait years to develop players. Every season is an opportunity to build towards a championship, and the Colts’ window with Richardson and the current crop of young players is right now. By signing top-tier free agents, they can fast-track their development, especially on both the offensive and defensive lines, where they need immediate upgrades.
Richardson’s development as a quarterback will be directly impacted by the players surrounding him. If the Colts fail to invest in free agents who can protect him, give him reliable weapons, and provide leadership on defense, they risk wasting a crucial development year. Free agency is often the quickest way to fill these gaps, as the draft alone can’t always provide the immediate impact a team needs to win now.
- The Impact of Salary Cap Space
In the past, the Colts have been more conservative with their spending due to their tight salary cap. However, the team’s current cap situation is relatively favorable compared to many other franchises. Heading into 2025, the Colts are projected to have significant cap space, which gives them the flexibility to make bold moves. They should not hesitate to use that space to bring in impact players who can make an immediate difference.
The right free agents—whether they be high-profile veterans or under-the-radar signings—can give the Colts an edge over teams that are more hesitant to spend. By making strategic investments in free agency, the Colts could push themselves into playoff contention more quickly than if they rely solely on the draft or internal development.
- Competitiveness in the AFC South
The AFC South is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans constantly improving. While the Jaguars are the clear frontrunner, the Titans and Texans are no slouches, especially with their talented rosters. If the Colts want to dethrone the Jaguars and return to playoff contention, they need to get better in a hurry.
The best way to improve quickly is through free agency. A few key signings could help the Colts leapfrog other teams in the division. For instance, adding a top-tier wide receiver could give Richardson a much-needed weapon to complement the team’s existing talent. Similarly, adding a strong pass rusher or cornerback could solidify the defense and make the team a more complete unit.
- Changing the Culture
Investing in high-profile free agents also sends a message to the locker room and the fanbase: the Colts are serious about winning. After years of mediocrity and disappointment, the Colts need to change their culture from one of complacency to one of urgency. By signing key veterans who have playoff and championship experience, the Colts can add a winning mentality to their locker room, which can be just as important as their on-field performance.
A successful free agency period can inject new energy into the entire organization, from the front office to the coaching staff, to the players themselves. This is especially crucial for a young quarterback like Richardson, who can learn from experienced players who have been in the league for years. With veterans in the fold, the Colts can instill the belief that they are in a position to succeed now, not in a few years.
Key Free Agent Positions for the Colts
To truly make a difference in the 2025 season, the Colts need to target key positions that will address their biggest needs. Here are a few positions where the Colts should focus their efforts:
- Quarterback Support
While Anthony Richardson is the future at quarterback, the Colts must surround him with talent. That means adding weapons at wide receiver, tight end, and potentially bringing in a veteran backup quarterback to help mentor Richardson. Richardson’s development could be expedited by having experienced playmakers at his disposal.
A player like free-agent wide receiver Mike Evans (if he hits the market) could provide a true number-one target. Or, signing a veteran tight end like Dalton Schultz could give Richardson a reliable safety valve.
- Offensive Line Reinforcements
For any quarterback to succeed, they need protection, and the Colts’ offensive line has been a weakness in recent years. In free agency, the Colts should target a seasoned left tackle or interior offensive lineman who can immediately step in and protect Richardson’s blindside. Players like Ben Powers or Caleb McGary could be solid options to shore up the trenches.
- Pass Rush and Secondary Help
The Colts’ defense is anchored by some solid players, but they are missing that true game-changer—someone who can consistently get to the quarterback and turn the tide in critical moments. A pass rusher like Yannick Ngakoue or Marcus Davenport could be an instant upgrade. Additionally, the secondary could use a playmaker who can create turnovers, so targeting a cornerback like James Bradberry or a safety like Jordan Poyer could be game-changers for the Colts’ defense.
- Running Back Depth
Though the Colts have solid running back options in Jonathan Taylor, depth is still an important consideration. Bringing in a veteran running back who can complement Taylor and take some of the pressure off him would go a long way. A player like Kareem Hunt or David Montgomery could be a great addition to the backfield.
The Future of the Colts’ Success
The Indianapolis Colts have the potential to become a true Super Bowl contender in the next few years, but that future hinges on making smart and decisive moves in free agency. While it’s important to develop through the draft, the Colts can’t afford to neglect the immediate needs of their roster, especially when they have the financial flexibility to make big splashes.
By adding the right players, the Colts can ensure that their investment in Anthony Richardson, their young quarterback, doesn’t go to waste. They also need to surround him with experienced veterans who can help lead the team to the playoffs and beyond. Free agency isn’t just about signing big names—it’s about making the right moves that complement the team’s long-term vision.
In the fast-paced world of the NFL, there’s no time to be shy with money. If the Colts want to be relevant again, they need to stop being cheap in free agency. This offseason, it’s time to go all-in.
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