The Indianapolis Colts were busier than ever before once the new league year opened in March, taking their window of opportunity seriously as they try to win now.
From making blockbuster trades to signing a new quarterback and adding depth all throughout the defensive side of the ball, general manager Chris Ballard set out to address many needs before the 2020 NFL draft arrives on April 23.
With free agency just about done, here are five takeaways for the Colts:
“Treat Yo Self” kind of offseason
If there were an offseason in which Ballard felt this was the time to splurge, it’s this one. Going against the notion that he doesn’t like to spend big in free agency, Ballard used all of that salary cap space and flexibility to treat himself to several new additions.
The DeForest Buckner trade was a big shock to those outside the organization but Ballard made it clear they believe in him by doubling down on a four-year extension worth $84 million. Then, he went out and signed quarterback Philip Rivers to a one-year, $25 million deal.
Mix in a few depth pieces in Sheldon Day, Xavier Rhodes and T.J. Carrie, and Ballard wound up spending more money this free agency than ever before in his tenure with the Colts.
No more first-round pick
The trade with the San Francisco 49ers to acquire defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was an expensive one. They had to give up their first-round pick at No. 13 overall, which takes them out of the running for an elite wide receiver or high-end quarterback prospect.
That said, the decision to make this trade was an easy one for both Frank Reich and Chris Ballard.
“This was a big need for us and you have an elite player with elite character who fits our team, it was a no-brainer as far as I was concerned,” Reich said Monday.
Losing a first-round pick is never easy, but for the player they might have gotten there, Buckner is already a proven commodity at one of the most important positions on the field.
Philip Rivers is the QB1
When it was all said and done, Rivers was the target the entire time for the Colts. They scouted Tom Brady and likely had an eye on a first-round prospect, but Rivers was the quarterback that Reich wanted all along since free agency started.
The Colts are hoping that Rivers can bounce back following a rough 2019 season that included 20 interceptions. But Rivers will be bringing an aggressive mindset to the offense—one they didn’t have with Jacoby Brissett under center.
Getting Rivers more weapons will be the objective in the draft, but the 38-year-old will be running the offense for at least the 2020 season.
No WRs?
When free agency was starting, the Colts figured to be in the market for a veteran wide receiver. Given the lack of high-end talent currently in the room, it seemed as though the Colts would be in the running for another playmaker.
Now that the majority of moves have been made, it’s clear the Colts are planning to use one of their second-round picks on a wide receiver. With T.Y. Hilton in a contract year and not much behind Zach Pascal, the Colts have to bring in some better talent at the top of the depth chart.
The Colts didn’t make a play for a wide receiver in free agency, which is fine, but the front office has to hit on a wide receiver—or two—in the draft.
Experience in the secondary
One thing was clear when Chris Ballard was wheeling and dealing during the month of March: the Colts wanted to bring in more of a veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball.
This is especially true in the secondary where both Xavier Rhodes (104 games, 97 starts) and T.J. Carrie (92 games, 50 starts) will bring plenty of experience to the cornerback room. Kenny Moore is growing into a strong slot corner while Rock Ya-Sin is a promising player on the boundary.
But the Colts have an extremely young secondary so adding veterans like Rhodes and Carrie will help the development of the entire room, especially for players like Quincy Wilson and Marvell Tell.
