Through the final weeks of the playoffs, the Indianapolis Colts continue their preparations for free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft while simultaneously evaluating the current state of their roster.
As the offseason progresses, there will be plenty of storylines to keep an eye on during the coming months. From a potential addition to the quarterback position to the philosophies of the front office, the Colts have a lot of work to do this offseason.
Here are the four biggest offseason storylines for the Colts:
A change at QB?
This is the biggest storyline for the Colts this offseason. After getting a look at Jacoby Brissett for a full season with the improved offensive line and coaching staff, the Colts essentially know what they have under center.
Now the question remains is a big one. Will general manager Chris Ballard and the front office decide to add to the quarterback room with their first-round pick? Or will they stick with Brissett and hope that an improvement of skill players increases his production.
Ballard has a big offseason ahead in what will be his fourth as general manager. It shouldn’t be taken lightly that his decision at the quarterback position will loom large for the immediate future.
Anthony Castonzo’s decision
When the Colts were finished with the season, a small bombshell was dropped. It came in the form of Castonzo’s potential decision to retire at the age of 30 and after spending the last nine seasons as the left tackle on the offensive line.
Coming off of what is likely his best season in the NFL, Castonzo’s status holds a big place in the Colts’ objectives. If Castonzo does retire, the Colts have to turn their offseason plans on its head. Their top priority then becomes finding a new left tackle.
The Colts offensive line boasted immense continuity in 2019, but all of that can change quickly if Castonzo decides to call it a career.
Will Chris Ballard finally splurge?
The answer is likely going to be the same as it has been since the three years Ballard took over: No. With so much salary-cap space, the Colts have a chance to add some real top-end talent. Despite his desire to totally build through the draft, sometimes you have to spend money to make money.
We know Ballard is a frugal spender. He’s going to set a value on a player that he deems fair and he’s not going to budge. He believes in that philosophy and he doesn’t waver. Holding true to his principles is what makes him a good general manager but it might be time to loosen up a bit.
With players like Yannick Ngakuoe, Amari Cooper and Chris Jones potentially hitting the market, Ballard shouldn’t be shy about opening the checkbook. However, the likely scenario is that he won’t spend high and will keep adding mid-tier players.
Contract extensions coming?
The 2020 season is the first time Chris Ballard will have the chance to re-sign the players from his first draft crop to a second contract. The 2017 draft class is entering their final season on a rookie deal, which means some of them could be in line for a contract extension.
The names most likely to be in the conversation include running back Marlon Mack, safety Malik Hooker and linebacker Anthony Walker. The Colts have the fifth-year option with Hooker so it isn’t clear how high on the priority list that is.
The Colts also have to begin discussing a contract extension for center Ryan Kelly, who will be entering the fifth-year option of his rookie deal.
