Stampede Blue
The Colts’ Will Fries could be in line for a big pay by Indianapolis or elsewhere after a breakout, but shortened 2024 campaign.
According to PFF, Indianapolis Colts soon-to-be free agent starting right guard Will Fries is among their ‘10 offensive free agents who deserve to be paid’:
G Will Fries
Before suffering a leg injury that limited him to only 268 snaps, Fries was pacing to be one of the foremost guards in the NFL. He recorded career highs in PFF overall grade (86.9), PFF run-blocking grade (84.9) and PFF pass-blocking grade (74.9). Maybe most impressive is that Fries received a 75.6 PFF overall grade or better in four of his five contests this year.
Besides health, the big question with Fries will be whether his 2024 tape stacks up to his prior career play, which was much more middling (62.6 PFF overall grade). But NFL teams tend to put more stock into both recency and breakouts, meaning that the 26-year-old should receive a strong raise.
Prior to suffering a season-ending fractured right tibia in Week 5 on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 4th-year pro was having a breakout season for the Colts.
The former 2021 7th round pick of Indianapolis had earned a +86.9 overall grade prior to the injury, which would rank 4th among all offensive guards (*had he qualified) in 2024.
That was higher than his All-Pro teammate Quenton Nelson (+81.3 overall) for instance.
In particular, Fries excelled in run blocking with a +84.9 run blocking grade during his 5 starts, paving the way for Pro Bowl star workhorse Jonathan Taylor to eclipse 1,400 total rushing yards and 10+ rushing touchdowns.
This offseason, the Colts will face a challenging salary cap situation along their offensive line with longtime veteran center Ryan Kelly also a free agent. While 2nd-year pro Tanor Bortolini is waiting in the wings at center as the heir apparent, the Colts have less of an immediate ideal solution at right guard—which is Fries’ current spot.
Will they let two starting interior offensive linemen walk during the same offseason?
If it’s not the Colts, it’s quite possible another needy offensive guard suitor will pay the 26-year-old up-and-comer quite handsomely on a multi-year contract.
