Stampede Blue
With both Ballard and Steichen confirmed for at least one more year, we can think about the immediate future for the franchise
Each offseason is a blank page for every general manager to try and improve their roster, both in the short and the long term. The Colts are currently in a position where there are very little starters set in stone for next year, and with a new defensive coordinator there could be a lot of changes coming to the defense. The needs in the offense are clear as day, so it it not that hard to pinpoint where the Colts should make moves.
I already wrote a piece about potential free agents for the Colts in every position of need, so you can check that out if you want a more detailed analysis on each player, but the main point is that while I agree with Ballard’s philosophy of not building teams through free-agency, I believe that not taking a single risk there is also not a viable approach to team building. Free-agency can be an excellent way to add some depth and competition to the team, and is a bit more certain than the draft.
Starting with the offense, my most important signing would be Justin Fields. There has been a recent trend with NFL quarterbacks finding a fresh start and taking full advantage of the opportunity to revive their careers, guys like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Geno Smith, and Jared Goff. Fields could easily be the next one on that list, as his skillset would easily translate into the Colts’ offense, and would compete right away for the starting spot with Richardson. The Colts can give Justin Fields exactly what he wants, which is a realistic chance to start, and he would do that with a solid offensive line, above-average playmakers at the receiver position, and an elite running back. If Ballard comes calling, I don’t see much better opportunities for Fields in the NFL than Indy. The offense is also in dire need of a backup running back, as last year whenever JT missed a game or took a breather the running game was abysmal with Trey Sermon. Backup running backs that are at least decent can be found easily and are not expensive, so failing to do so for a second consecutive year would be asinine. The Colts also desperately need a tight end, or two, and there are some solid veterans in the market that could drastically improve the position.
As for the defense, the Colts need to add a viable backup to Stewart and Buckner. When either of the two where out the defense went from passable to a bottom five unit in the NFL. Now of course it is impossible to find a backup that can come in and play at the same level than the starters here, but finding guys better than Taven Bryan should not be that difficult. Linebacker is also a massive need for...
