Five Under the Radar Free Agents for the Indianapolis Colts

The beginning of authorized tampering and free company is lower than three weeks away. Groups have begun negotiating with soon-to-be free brokers in hopes of locking them down earlier than they hit the market.

Whereas the highest free brokers earn all of the headlines, the tier three and 4 gamers typically take advantage of influence. These 5 beneath the radar free brokers might be targets for the Indianapolis Colts.

Andre Dillard – Offensive Deal with

With Bernhard Raimann hitting his stride in direction of the tip of the 2022 season, the Colts might really feel comfy with him and begin him heading into coaching camp. However each place wants some form of competitors, and Raimann’s play mustn’t have assured a Week One beginning gig.

Dillard has been a reserve offensive lineman for the Eagles, beginning at each guard and sort out. However with an expiring deal, the previous first-round choose might be in search of an opportunity to play extra incessantly. The versatile 27-year-old could be the proper choice to battle Raimann and compete for a beginning spot at left sort out or proper guard.

Amani Oruwariye – Cornerback

Stephon Gilmore was the lone vibrant spot within the cornerback room final season, and the Colts desperately want an improve on the place. After a breakout 2021, Oruwariye was benched in week 9 in opposition to the Packers.

Oruwariye might not be the stud cowl nook, however he may present stable depth for a room missing it. Even after a down 12 months, he’s value a flier and a change of surroundings may see a lift to his manufacturing.

Clelin Ferrell – Edge Rusher

Yet one more disappointing first-round choose who might be hitting the market, Ferrell fell out of favor rapidly in Las Vegas. He doesn’t fairly have the juice and explosion to be an every-down move rusher. However Ferrell is a stable run defender off the sting.

Whereas he hasn’t had the kind of influence you anticipate from a fourth-overall choose, Ferrell may add depth to a younger defensive position. If Yannick Ngakoue leaves city, supplementing the defensive position with low cost free brokers and one other draft choose might be the reply to fortifying the place.

Solomon Thomas – Defensive Line

Deforest Buckner is without doubt one of the finest defensive tackles within the league. Paired with Grover Stewart, the Colts have among the best beginning duos within the league. However they want extra from the reserves as a way to maintain success. After solely 10 profession sacks, Thomas is ready to be a free agent but once more. However considered one of his finest seasons got here beneath present Colts’ defensive coordinator Gus Bradley in 2021.

In 2021, Bradley used Thomas as a real three-technique defensive sort out and the previous first-rounder racked up a career-high 3.5 sacks and 34 complete tackles. If Bradley believes he can discover that gear in Thomas as soon as once more, Ballard and firm ought to make the decision.

Keelan Cole – Large Receiver

Maybe probably the most rapid wants for Indianapolis is extensive receiver. Parris Campbell is a free agent and the one formidable receivers on the roster are Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. Cole is a six-year veteran who has had a productive profession for an undrafted free agent.

Cole is primarily a backup slot receiver and return man, however could make an influence in a number of methods on the sphere. In 2020, Cole had 642 yards and 5 touchdowns on 55 receptions. He adopted that up with 449 yards, averaging 16 yards per reception, in 2021. After a 12 months tough 12 months in Las Vegas, Cole might be a stable veteran presence within the Colts’ younger receiver room whereas additionally upgrading the depth on the place.