Possible Free Agents (MERGE)

[Zoltan]

Instead of making a thread on a specific Free Agent, I figured I'd just make a thread so we can discuss any free agent that interests us.

 

For me I think Jordan Fuller could be an interesting free agent addition this offseason, first because I see it as a Ballard move, he's a 26 year old drafted in the 6th round by the Rams and ended up becoming a team captain. The leadership I think Ballard will like for the secondary as it's a young group and Fuller was the person directing coverages from the free safety position and we all know how important communication is at that position. Next he isn't a big name so won't be getting a huge deal (Like Winfield Jr) I imagine a 3 year deal that has an out after 2 years, I think this move would give us adequate depth at the FS position to be more flexible in the draft.

 

Here's PFF Summary

Quote

Fuller is a ball-hawking free safety who spends the majority of his time patrolling his deep quarter, as the Rams have deployed as many two-high safety looks as any team in the NFL over the past few years. Fuller has good ball-tracking ability and times his jumps well, contesting at the catch point but avoiding penalties.

He runs the alley well and doesn’t miss many tackle attempts. He’s not necessarily crashing and making plays at or behind the line of scrimmage often, but he’s a sound tackler and a reliable last line of defense when called upon.

 

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2024-nfl-free-agency-rankings-safeties

[Yoshinator]

I'm going to start by saying that the Chiefs are trying to re-sign L'Jarius Sneed, but if they can't, they would do a tag and trade. Early reports say that the price for him in that instance would be a 2nd round pick. Could be something to keep an eye on. He'd be great for the Colts and would instantly be our no1 CB.

[OhioColt]

6 hours ago, Yoshinator said:

I'm going to start by saying that the Chiefs are trying to re-sign L'Jarius Sneed, but if they can't, they would do a tag and trade. Early reports say that the price for him in that instance would be a 2nd round pick. Could be something to keep an eye on. He'd be great for the Colts and would instantly be our no1 CB.

Did see where the Chiefs already franchise tagged Sneed and still looking to potentially trade him.  Sneed was high on my list. 

 

However, I think the Colts would be wiser to go after LCB Dane Jackson (Bills).  Jackson played for Pitt during our new DL coach Charlie Partridge tenure (2018-2020).  According to PFF's recent cornerback rankings for the end of 2023, Jackson finished within the top 30 dropping off in the final weeks from 11th.  

 

Another Bill's player that I have been high on for years is DT Tim Settle and wanted him when he was a free agent before.  Settle still has proven to be a decent backup and starter and would be an upgrade over Bryan.  If we really wanted security behind, assuming we resign Grover Stewart, then also be wise to add DT DaQuan Jones (Bills).  Jones and Stewart are very similar and would be another insurance policy. 

[OhioColt]

My Free Agent List:

 

• QB Tyler Huntley (Ravens) - Ravens were ranked #1 in RPO and the Colts #5.  If we resign Blackmon and Moss could lean on Utah connections.
• RB DeeJay Dallas (Seattle) - Dallas would have a better offensive impact with the Colts than with the Seahawks (Walker/Charbonnet).  With McKenzie's late season suspension am not sure if we resign him.  Dallas would become our return specialist.  In 2023 he returned 25 punts for 265 yards and 17 kicks for 440 yards (25.9 yard per return).  Dallas had a slightly better season as a return specialist than McKenzie. 
• WR-Z Quez Watkins (Eagles) - Watkins seemed to take advantage each game with his limited playing time and would help upgrade our depleted wide receiver room and capable backup to Pierce.  Shane has to have a better inside track and firsthand knowledge of Watkins and might be ideal to rejoin after history of 2021-2022 season performances. 
• TE Dalton Schultz (Texans) - Schultz has been one of the few top tight ends even when he played for the Cowboys.  Expectations are MAC gets released to save cap space and Schultz would be our starter.
• DT DaQuan Jones (Bills) - Jones probably has one or two years left before he retires.  One of the few NTs that are on Stewart's level. 
• DT Maurice Hurst (Browns) - We lack proven DT depth.  Hurst is a solid backup with proven positive history.  Buckner expect to be a lifetime Colt and get extended, but Hurst would be a solid addition. 
• LCB Dane Jackson (Bills) - Pittsburgh college ties to new DL coach Charlie Partridge who coached during 2018-2020.  PFF ranked Jackson as a top 30 cornerback in 2023.
• FS Xavier McKinney (Giants) - 2024 NFL draft class is very weak for free safeties.  We failed to acquire Jessie Bates last year and our defense got picked apart in the back end.  McKinney would thrive as a single high safety in our zone defense.  Cooper DeJean (Iowa) could be a potential draft selection but no guarantees he would be available let alone our top priority.  Also consider DeJean as a potential nickel cornerback replacing Kenny Moore much like the Lions drafting Brian Branch or the Chiefs Trent McDuffie. 
• WLB/MLB Frankie Luvu (Panthers) - Luvu proved he can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 base defenses and succeed.  He would be a major upgrade over Franklin where he ranked #14th among all linebackers excelling in run-defense (3rd) and had the highest pass-rushing grade. 
• SS PJ Locke (Broncos) - a career special teams ace who stepped up big for Denver in 2023.  Some risk/reward if Blackmon is released. 
• Punter Tommy Townsend (Chiefs) - would replace Rigoberto Sanchez.  Townsend was an All-Pro in 2022 and ranked in the top 10 in the NFL.  In 2021 he finished second in net yards per punt and 1st in 2022.   The Chiefs already signed Punter Araiza on 02/23 assuming Townsend is expected to become a free agent. 
• CB Keisean Nixon (Packers) - another special team return specialist that had a better statistical season than DeeJay Dallas or McKenzie while adding starter/depth at cornerback.

[indykmj]

7 hours ago, Yoshinator said:

I'm going to start by saying that the Chiefs are trying to re-sign L'Jarius Sneed, but if they can't, they would do a tag and trade. Early reports say that the price for him in that instance would be a 2nd round pick. Could be something to keep an eye on. He'd be great for the Colts and would instantly be our no1 CB.

 

 Isn't Sneed's strong suit playing (physical) Press Man ? 

 

 Not sure how giving up a lot to bring him to Indy to play primarily Zone would 

 work out.

 

 Remember when Philly brought a primarily Press CB (Nnamdi Asomugha) in and

 stuck him in a Zone scheme ? He was lost and never played worth a damn. 

[OhioColt]

50 minutes ago, indykmj said:

 Isn't Sneed's strong suit playing (physical) Press Man ? 

 

 Not sure how giving up a lot to bring him to Indy to play primarily Zone would 

 work out.

Sneed's Combine Overview

Defensive back with good size and length. He's much more likely to be considered as a cornerback than a safety. Sneed is a little bit tight in space and won't have the fluid transitions teams look for in man coverage, but he has quality ball skills and adequate instincts to help attract teams looking for size at corner. He's not a physical tackler, but he could be good enough for placement into a zone-heavy scheme where he will be forced into more run-support duties. His experience as a split-safety and slot cover corner could push him up a round or so as a draftable Day 3 prospect.

 

Weaknesses

Transitions will be a little clunky from press

[runthepost]

Sneed is tagged officially 

[BProland85]

Wasn’t sure if there was already a topic on this, but wanted to start talking free agency and who the Colts could target. 
 

I wouldn’t mind bringing back Autry for the right price on a 1 or 2 year deal. Also would like a veteran safety brought in as well as corner. 

[richard pallo]

5 hours ago, runthepost said:

Sneed is tagged officially 

Not yet.  Nothing official.

[Indeee]

6 hours ago, runthepost said:

Sneed is tagged officially 

Sneed has been tagged, however he has also been given permission to seek a trade.

 

I think a second would net you sneed

[richard pallo]

5 minutes ago, Indeee said:

Sneed has been tagged, however he has also been given permission to seek a trade.

 

I think a second would net you sneed

He has not been tagged.  Not officially.  I have not seen or read that anywhere.  He has been given permission to seek a trade though.  If they tag Sneed they can not tag Jones.  I would think the would get Jones extended first before they tag Sneed.  And that has not happened yet.

[colts52761]

DT - A'shawn Robinson

DT-  Raekwon Davis / Tim Settle

DE-  Dorance  Armstrong

WR- Quez Watkins

FS- CJ Garnder-Johnson

SS- Jeremy Chinn

WR- Michael Pittman

 

Trade for

CB - Sneed

 

Not saying we could get all of them. Just ones I like.

 

[ChuggaBeer]

Winfield..... then on to the draft   After signing our own of course 

[Zoltan]

5 minutes ago, ChuggaBeer said:

Winfield..... then on to the draft   After signing our own of course 

That would be a huge signing and help cement our secondary adding a playmaker and position of need.

 

Buccaneers have a few big names this offseason, and will have to figure out which they will keep and who they can resign. Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield being the two biggest names and the biggest cap hits aside from Winfield. It will be interesting to see who they keep and who hits free agency, if Winfield does hit free agency I imagine Ballard will do his due diligence but I would expect us to get outbid. 

[Zoltan]

Anyone have interest in us signing Byard he is 30 but could be a 1 year deal to add some experience at the FS position

[colts52761]

no

[ProblChld32]

On 2/28/2024 at 10:57 AM, runthepost said:

Sneed is tagged officially 

It’s more than likely a tag and trade. They’re tagging him in hopes of getting draft capital in return.

[Zoltan]

With the Bills looking to cut Hines, bringing him back could fill a huge hole when it comes to the RB room. I think Moss is gone to try to become a starter and adding Hines would give us a more passing down back kind of like a Boston Scott or Gainwell 

[Hoose]

I think the Colts HAVE to improve their pass rush. There is one guy out there, 25 years old, who seems to have major upside after getting 10 sacks last year on limited snaps. And he’s a free agent who will not be tagged. 
BRYCE HUFF. Recent estimates I’ve seen suggest a $16-18m per year contract. He’s been a rush LB for the Jets, but the kid can play DE for the Colts. Think what consistent pressure on the QB would mean for the Colts D. I hope they chase this guy hard. 

[MikeCurtis]

11 minutes ago, Hoose said:

I think the Colts HAVE to improve their pass rush. There is one guy out there, 25 years old, who seems to have major upside after getting 10 sacks last year on limited snaps. And he’s a free agent who will not be tagged. 
BRYCE HUFF. Recent estimates I’ve seen suggest a $16-18m per year contract. He’s been a rush LB for the Jets, but the kid can play DE for the Colts. Think what consistent pressure on the QB would mean for the Colts D. I hope they chase this guy hard. 

ABSOLUTELY AGREE 

 

if you believe the sites

 

We might be able to lock him in for 15m per year or less with bonus games

 

We have about 22-28m left  after signing our own FAs and 5m for rookies

 

15 For Huff

12 for FS

 

Can you imagine the flexibility with the draft if we get a DE and FS in FA?

 

It sounds right to me

 

But ……..  of COURSE it won’t happen that way…..

 

sad face
 

 

 

 

[richard pallo]

Miami DT Christian Wilkins is a FA.  Just read an article on BR saying when all of the JT drama was going on last year the Colts did have conversations with Miami about trading Taylor for Wilkins.  It never happened of course but if Wilkins makes it to FA the Colts might pursue him as a replacement for Grover.  He’s only 28 so if there was interest before it makes sense that the interest could still be there.

[Zoltan]

Depending if they see a need for a pass catching RB Antonio Gibson may be a great option. I think Steichen could get pretty creative with him on the field.

[MikeCurtis]

On 3/4/2024 at 11:23 AM, richard pallo said:

Miami DT Christian Wilkins is a FA.  Just read an article on BR saying when all of the JT drama was going on last year the Colts did have conversations with Miami about trading Taylor for Wilkins.  It never happened of course but if Wilkins makes it to FA the Colts might pursue him as a replacement for Grover.  He’s only 28 so if there was interest before it makes sense that the interest could still be there.

Is he big enough to play 1 tech?
 

If so, I’d would grab Wilkins, but I think he plays 3 and 5 tech today

[richard pallo]

48 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

Is he big enough to play 1 tech?
 

If so, I’d would grab Wilkins, but I think he plays 3 and 5 tech today

310 lbs.  I think that works.

[Old Man and the COLTS]

On 3/1/2024 at 7:02 PM, Zoltan said:

Anyone have interest in us signing Byard he is 30 but could be a 1 year deal to add some experience at the FS position

Byard to Bears 

2years $15m per NBC

[Hawkeyecolt]

15 minutes ago, Old Man and the COLTS said:

Byard to Bears 

2years $15m per NBC

Good to hear.  Not on my list of safeties I would want for the Colts. 

[richard pallo]

2 hours ago, MikeCurtis said:

Is he big enough to play 1 tech?
 

If so, I’d would grab Wilkins, but I think he plays 3 and 5 tech today

Just read an article on SI with 10 predictions for FA.  One of the predictions concerns the Colts.  The think we will be active and the DL will be a target.  They think we are looking for an upgrade over Grover.  But they also predicted we won’t make a splash.  So if their right that probably eliminates Wilkins.

[Hawkeyecolt]

2 hours ago, richard pallo said:

Just read an article on SI with 10 predictions for FA.  One of the predictions concerns the Colts.  The think we will be active and the DL will be a target.  They think we are looking for an upgrade over Grover.  But they also predicted we won’t make a splash.  So if their right that probably eliminates Wilkins.

I don’t expect it to happen but Wilkins would be an interesting move. He’s a stud run defender who added pass rush to his game last year.  Definitely an upgrade from Grover and it kind of protects them from Buck leaving after next season.  If Buck left the Colts could have Dayo play the 3-tech next to Wilkins. Personally, I would extend Buck now but it would a formidable line next year if Wilkins and Buck lined up next to each other. 

[Colt Overseas]

Is Byard’s contract a tad rich? For a guy just released. Understand he was once very good, but thats been a couple of years ago and he is in his 30s now.

Was hoping the safety market would be cheap for us.

[MikeCurtis]

16 hours ago, richard pallo said:

Just read an article on SI with 10 predictions for FA.  One of the predictions concerns the Colts.  The think we will be active and the DL will be a target.  They think we are looking for an upgrade over Grover.  But they also predicted we won’t make a splash.  So if their right that probably eliminates Wilkins.

If you look at Ballard’s history, he has never gone for the big FA

 

I may be in a minority here but if we don’t improve year over year, there is a decent chance that Ballard gets fired.   If we are near last in defense again our DC will probably be fired.  

 

If I am CB, I am using FA a bit more than normal this year……. (Maybe a lot more)

 

If I am our DC, I am standing on the table for some defensive playmakers that can make THIS defense work

 

IMHO, that means a stud pass rushing DL and a playmaking FS

 

An awesome  press CB would be wasted in THIS defense. 

Because…… we play boring ZONE….  Which works if you have a pass rush.

 

We can add some of these big Zone CBs in round 2-3 

 

On offense, if everyone is healthy we only need a dynamic WR, where at 15, (or later)

we will have some WRs to choose from

 

Asking a rookie to be a star, year 1 at DE and FS is a risk….. that’s why IMHO

we should tap the FA market for these two roles.

 

 

Rookie WRs can make a difference year 1

 

 

[richard pallo]

42 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

If you look at Ballard’s history, he has never gone for the big FA

 

I may be in a minority here but if we don’t improve year over year, there is a decent chance that Ballard gets fired.   If we are near last in defense again our DC will probably be fired.  

 

If I am CB, I am using FA a bit more than normal this year……. (Maybe a lot more)

 

If I am our DC, I am standing on the table for some defensive playmakers that can make THIS defense work

 

IMHO, that means a stud pass rushing DL and a playmaking FS

 

An awesome  press CB would be wasted in THIS defense. 

Because…… we play boring ZONE….  Which works if you have a pass rush.

 

We can add some of these big Zone CBs in round 2-3 

 

On offense, if everyone is healthy we only need a dynamic WR, where at 15, (or later)

we will have some WRs to choose from

 

Asking a rookie to be a star, year 1 at DE and FS is a risk….. that’s why IMHO

we should tap the FA market for these two roles.

 

 

Rookie WRs can make a difference year 1

 

 

Ballard is a smart guy.  He knows he’s under a lot of pressure to upgrade the roster after last year.  He’s confident he has his quarterback now.  He knows his job is on the line.  So I think we can expect some exciting moves.  Maybe a splash move no one will see coming.  I think he has to upgrade the secondary big time.  FS for sure.  McKinney would be ideal because he’s so young.  He will be here a long time.  Kendall Fuller is a highly rated corner in zone coverage.  A match that would be perfect for Gus and the Colts.  Fuller won’t break the bank but would be a huge upgrade.  I think the big signing in FA will most likely be on the defensive side.  Funny thing is we extended Zaire today.  A defensive player.  I think that’s where the primary focus is now.  Can’t wait for FA to start.

[MikeCurtis]

14 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

Ballard is a smart guy.  He knows he’s under a lot of pressure to upgrade the roster after last year.  He’s confident he has his quarterback now.  He knows his job is on the line.  So I think we can expect some exciting moves.  Maybe a splash move no one will see coming.  I think he has to upgrade the secondary big time.  FS for sure.  McKinney would be ideal because he’s so young.  He will be here a long time.  Kendall Fuller is a highly rated corner in zone coverage.  A match that would be perfect for Gus and the Colts.  Fuller won’t break the bank but would be a huge upgrade.  I think the big signing in FA will most likely be on the defensive side.  Funny thing is we extended Zaire today.  A defensive player.  I think that’s where the primary focus is now.  Can’t wait for FA to start.

Fuller would be a perfect fit here as he is a zone CB

 

CB in FA would be my third choice after FS and DE

 

My fear is that getting Ballard to take a FA chance on DE, FS, AND CB 

 

Might be too much to ask......

[Virtuoso80]

not sure where to put this in the free agency posts.

 

 

[BProland85]

11 minutes ago, Virtuoso80 said:

not sure where to put this in the free agency posts.

 

 

I hope the Titans overpay since their new HC has ties to him and they give up a 2025 1st or their 2024 and 2025 2nds. 

[chad72]

15 hours ago, Colt Overseas said:

Is Byard’s contract a tad rich? For a guy just released. Understand he was once very good, but thats been a couple of years ago and he is in his 30s now.

Was hoping the safety market would be cheap for us.

 

It is a tad rich and Kevin Byard was not as much a strength in the Eagles coverage as the season went on after they acquired him. 

[chad72]

32 minutes ago, BProland85 said:

I hope the Titans overpay since their new HC has ties to him and they give up a 2025 1st or their 2024 and 2025 2nds. 

 

I am thinking he goes to the NFC, to either the Bears or Cardinals.

[dw49]

OK .... take this to the bank. If you are expecting the Colts to sign a top safety , cb or edge , it is not going to happen. We will overpay for a few of our own free agents and not participate in the early "scramble" for the top free agents. Not saying we might not make a good "secondary" signing or 2 but forget about the elite free agents.

[richard pallo]

If the Colts don’t sign Wilkins and Grover I wonder if they would be interested in Arik Armstead.  He refused to take a pay cut so the 49ers released him. He missed 5 games last year due to injury.  Grover missed 6.  He is 30 but when healthy he is a upgrade over Grover.

[BProland85]

5 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

If the Colts don’t sign Wilkins and Grover I wonder if they would be interested in Arik Armstead.  He refused to take a pay cut so the 49ers released him. He missed 5 games last year due to injury.  Grover missed 6.  He is 30 but when healthy he is a upgrade over Grover.

I’m sure Buckner would like teaming with him again as long as he’s not too costly. 

[Shive]

1 hour ago, Virtuoso80 said:

not sure where to put this in the free agency posts.