The Indianapolis Colts are roughly a month away from the new league year in March, which will bring with it the start of 2019 free agency.
The Colts are projected to have the most salary cap space in the NFL when that time comes giving them ample resources to sign just about any player they wanted to. They aren’t likely to go crazy, but there are players that would be considered fits for Indy.
Excluding guys like Demarcus Lawrence and Dee Ford, who is expected to re-sign with their teams. If they hit the market, every team will be after them.
Here are 12 potential fits in free agency for the Colts in no particular order:
Trey Flowers, DE: While this list isn’t in any particular order, Flowers is likely the top option on the market for the Colts. He’d be a great fit in Matt Eberflus’ attacking front while giving the Colts the potential of a dominant pass rusher. He’s also just 25 years old.
Landon Collins, S: It remains to be seen if Collins will sign an extension with the Giants or if he will be franchise tagged. Should he hit the market, the Colts should pursue him hard as he would add All-Pro caliber talent to a safety room that is extremely thin.
Grady Jarrett, DT: Will the Falcons re-sign the 25-year-old? It remains to be seen, but 6.0 sacks from the defensive tackle position certainly sounds nice for a Colts interior that could use some consistency up front.
Dante Fowler, DE: It is likely that the Rams don’t let Fowler hit the market. However, the speed rusher will be a hot commodity if he doesn’t initially re-sign. Despite some troubling off-the-field issues, Fowler would present a strong fit on the edge as a successor to Jabaal Sheard.
Tyrell Williams, WR: The wide receiver corps isn’t strong in free agency. There are very little serious options for the Colts, but Williams is one of them. A big-play machine, having him line up across from T.Y. Hilton would present wonderful matchup against opposing defenses.
Preston Smith, OLB: Though he would likely move to defensive end with the Colts, the 6-foot-5 edge rusher might be someone in the alley for Chris Ballard. He’s not a blue-chip option, but Smith is a solid one that would be an intriguing add for the Colts given his potential versatility.
Frank Clark, DE: The 25-year-old has a troubled past, but Ballard will conduct his due diligence, and if he feels Clark has moved on from it, the Colts should pursue him hard should he hit the market. He might be expensive, but 13.0 sacks in 2018 as a potential premier pass rusher is what the defense needs.
Tre Boston, S: The Colts and Boston were linked a bit last summer but nothing came of it. Now, he’s a free agent, and the Colts need serious help in the backend of the secondary. Boston is coming off of a season in which he recorded 79 tackles (66 solo) and three interceptions.
Chris Conley, WR: The need for a talented wideout is big this offseason and while most will scoff at the lack of production from Conley, he’s fast, athletic and was a draft pick when Ballard was with the Chiefs. With the potential to break out in Frank Reich’s scheme, Conley is an option.
Za’Darius Smith, OLB: Recording 8.5 sacks for the Ravens in 2018, Smith would be an interesting add even though he would likely convert to defensive end given his 6-foot-4, 272-pound frame. He’s also solid in coverage, which the Colts could use help in the middle of the field.
Anthony Harris, S: An unlikely name to hit the market, but one that should be monitored is Harris. The strong safety would likely play more of a Clayton Geathers role with better coverage while being a sure-tackler. He would likely be used in a robber role with the Colts.
John Brown, WR: A big play can happen at any moment with Brown, who consistently finds himself at the top of the league in yards per reception. With the Ravens being a run-first team with Lamar Jackson, Brown could hit the market as a potential depth piece and deep threat for the Colts.
