Colts free agency preview: Are these guys keepers?
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts will enter the NFL’s free agent signing period next week with well over $50 million in salary cap space at their disposal.
That will invite all manner of speculation about what the team’s new general manager, Chris Ballard, might do as he looks to position the team to compete for the AFC South crown.
There likely will be buzz about the likes of Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram or Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower or any number of appealing players who might soon hit the open market.
But first things first.
The Colts have some business in their own house to consider: namely, a long list of players on the roster who are about to become free agents. What will be their fates? Who are the best fits? And what will determine whether they stay or go?
As the Colts turn their attention to this week’s NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, they also will be balancing the task of sorting through their own class of free agents. Let’s take a look at a few.
Related:
Colts are given an extra draft pick; here's why.
TE Jack Doyle
Even a year ago, suggesting Doyle would headline this list would have seemed preposterous. But give Doyle credit for capitalizing on his chances. Each time the Colts have given him greater opportunities, all he’s done is respond. In 2016, he did so at the best possible time, finishing as the Colts’ second-leading receiver with 59 catches for 584 yards in a contract year.
Why he stays: Tight end is still an affordable position relative to other more expensive spots. So, given their resources and the chemistry Doyle has established with quarterback Andrew Luck, the Colts can easily put together a package that keeps Doyle playing for his hometown team. Additionally, offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski has shown that tight ends are a major part of his scheme and he will continue to rely heavily on them.
Why he goes: Working against Doyle is the prior investment made in fellow tight end Dwayne Allen. It’s not a matter of whether the Colts can afford Doyle but, perhaps, a case of whether it’s wise to invest so richly in a single unit. The Allen contract might put something of a cap on the Doyle negotiations from the Colts’ perspective. But last year, when the Colts let Coby Fleener walk and re-signed Allen, they had a proven option in Doyle waiting in the wings. This time, the depth behind Doyle is more suspect in converted basketball player Erik Swoope.
OLB Erik Walden
Give him credit for timing. Walden had a team-leading and career-best 11 sacks in 2016, giving the Colts their only consistent pass-rushing presence. Can he do it again? His age is working against him: He’ll be 32 on opening day this fall.
Why he stays: The simplest reason is that the Colts don’t have any pass-rushing talent under contract beyond next week. You could make a compelling argument that letting their one capable pass rusher walk out the door is not the smartest move. It’s easy to say the Colts should just target pass rushers in the draft, but you do not control what players are available to you in the draft process and cannot count on getting exactly what you want. The danger is getting left empty-handed.
Why he goes: There’s an understanding from owner Jim Irsay on down that one of this offseason’s goals is to get younger on defense. Re-signing an aging, inconsistent pass rusher is not exactly a bold step toward that objective. You could also argue that, even with Walden’s career year, the Colts had one of the NFL’s worst defenses. That raises questions about Walden’s true impact.
DB Darius Butler
We use the generic “DB” label on Butler because he’s proven he can no longer be defined as simply a “slot cornerback.” Butler’s ability to effortlessly switch to safety in a pinch last season worked out better than anyone would have guessed. Now Butler is thinking about making the switch permanent, and that’s going to make him more marketable.
Why he stays: Butler has been one of the Colts’ most reliable veterans, taking on all comers at cornerback with confidence, even if with mixed results. His documented ability to play safety showed his natural ball skills, a skill set that not enough Colts defenders possess. He gives the Colts great versatility, which is a trait they prioritize. There are also questions at safety given Clayton Geathers’ injuries last season and T.J. Green’s glaring need for growth.
Why he goes: Age is a factor here, too. Butler turns 31 next month and that might be a deterrent. Money is also a variable. There aren't many shots left for Butler to cash in, so he’ll want to maximize this opportunity.
S Mike Adams
This is a tough one, also because of age. Adams turns 36 next month, putting him in rare air among NFL players in general and, specifically, among defensive backs.
Why he stays: It likely won’t cost much. Adams doesn’t have to be a starter, but there’s something to be said for having a veteran who knows the defense well as younger, greener players are integrated.
Why he goes: Adams missed just one game last season, but he’s battled injuries much more than in the past. And those injuries seemed to negatively impact his performance. That raises obvious questions about age. Does Ballard subscribe to the theory that holding on too long could be counterproductive?
Unrestricted free agents
S Mike Adams
S Darius Butler
LB Chris Carter
OLB Trent Cole
TE Jack Doyle
LB Lavar Edwards
ILB Josh McNary
G Hugh Thornton
RB Jordan Todman
RB Robert Turbin
OLB Erik Walden
Restricted free agents
(Colts retain right of first refusal on competing offers)
G/C Jonotthan Harrison
DL Zach Kerr
Exclusive-rights free agents
(no negotiating rights if tendered a contract by Colts)
WR Quan Bray
TE Erik Swoope