The Indianapolis Colts have a vital offseason ahead of them with the chance to build off an impressive 2023 campaign that ended in heartbreak but one that provided hope, nonetheless.
As we gear up for the 2024 offseason, the Colts will have plenty of ammo to make some big moves in both free agency and the NFL draft. What happens is anyone’s guess, and there will be major questions facing the organization this offseason.
Some of them will be answered over the course of the offseason. Others may not be answered until we get into the regular season.
Either way, here are 10 questions the Colts face entering the 2024 offseason:
1
Can Anthony Richardson stay healthy?
Arguably the biggest question the Colts face this offseason won’t be answered until games start being played again in the fall. Richardson is the key to the Colts having sustained success but only if he can stay healthy. Though it was disappointing to see Richardson miss the majority of his rookie season, he worked hard in the classroom and now has ample time to be ready for the spring workouts.
2
Will Zack Moss be back?
The Colts formed a pretty strong 1-2 punch with Jonathan Taylor and Moss in the backfield, and it would have been interesting to see just how efficient they would be with Anthony Richardson under center. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see that, and Moss is a pending free agent. The Colts don’t have much depth behind Taylor so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Moss.
3
What does Michael Pittman Jr.'s future hold?
A pending free agent, there is no reason for Pittman Jr. to even hit the market. Players like him don’t hit the market. Either the two sides agree on a lucrative contract extension or the Colts apply the franchise tag, which would extend their time to agree on a deal, find a trade or simply have Pittman play under the franchise tag. My money is on Pittman returning under an extension, but it’s still the biggest question the Colts face right now.
4
Can Jelani Woods make an impact after a lost season?
One of the most disappointing storylines from 2023 was the lost season for Woods. He delt with a nagging hamstring injury and then suffered a setback that kept him on the injured reserve list for the entire campaign. His explosiveness could be vital for the offense, but he now enters his third season with a lot of question marks.
5
Can depth be added to the OL?
All signs point to the Colts’ starting offensive line returning in 2024, which is good news for a unit that ranked among the elites this past season. But depth needs to be added in a pretty big way. Rookie Blake Freeland struggled in his trial-by-fire while Wesley French gave an admirable effort to replace Ryan Kelly as center when he missed time. However, competition needs to be added to both spots this offseason, especially considering how many injuries the starting unit dealt with throughout the campaign.
6
Can The Colts afford to let Grover Stewart walk?
If I had to give an answer to that question now, I’d say no. But it also would depend on who would replace Stewart in that hypothetical scenario. We saw what it was like for the Colts to be without Stewart in the middle of the defensive line during his six-game suspension in 2023, which is why he’s a top priority to re-sign this offseason.
7
Does Zaire Franklin get an extension?
After the last two seasons of being one of the most productive off-ball linebackers in the NFL, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Franklin looked to add a year or two onto his current deal. Receiving $3.3 million per year on his current deal, that ranks 41st among NFL linebackers. Meanwhile, Franklin ranks second in the NFL in tackles (346) and solo tackles (209) over the last two seasons combined. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Colts restructure.
8
Does Kenny Moore II return?
One of the top free agents for the Colts that is set to hit the market, Moore bounced back in a big way during the 2023 season. He returned to a Pro-Bowl level of play as one of the best slot defenders in the NFL. Whether he remains with the Colts or looks to cash in this offseason is one of the biggest questions.
9
How much change does the safety position undergo?
As it currently stands, the Colts have Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II as the starting safeties with Julian Blackmon set to hit free agency. Whether Blackmon is re-signed or the Colts look to add from free agency, there’s a chance this position looks much different going into 2024.
10
Can Matt Gay bounce back?
It wasn’t a terrible year by any means, and the first half of the season went pretty well for Gay. However, he missed eight total field-goal attempts, five of which came from 50 or more yards. His 80.5% field-goal percentage was the lowest since his rookie season. The Colts need him to bounce back in 2024.
