The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for what is expected to be a vital free agency period when the new league year begins March 13.
With the most salary cap space in the NFL entering free agency, the Colts will be linked to several names simply given how much money general manager Chris Ballard has. While the top free agents should be monitored, the Colts will be looking more to pick up players that fit their scheme and locker room culture.
Here are six free agents that make the most sense for the Colts:
Landon Collins | S | Age: 25
With the New York Giants deciding against applying the franchise tag, the Colts are getting a second chance to bring the former All-Pro safety in to help lead the defensive backfield.
A versatile piece, Collins can serve many roles for Matt Eberflus’ defense. He’s best playing toward the line of scrimmage impacting the run and even blitzing at times. He has the ability to play a deep-half zone next to Malik Hooker and while his man coverage skills might be a liability, he’s still an ideal fit for the Colts defense.
A team captain with the Giants, Collins checks all the boxes Ballard looks for in new players. They won’t get into a bidding war for him, but the Colts should heavily pursue the Alabama product.
Golden Tate | WR | Age: 30
Despite his age, Tate still has the ability to be a menace from the slot while helping move the offense greatly after the catch. He’s a reliable target over the middle and shouldn’t break the bank.
Tate’s skill set blends perfectly with Frank Reich’s offensive scheme. In a quick-passing, high-tempo offense, Tate would thrive with Andrew Luck throwing passes on crossers, quick-ins and whip routes. A guy likely to still be there following the initial wave, Tate would help the Colts immensely.
The Colts have a massive need at wide receiver, and Tate would provide them instant impact without keeping them from adding a younger option in the draft.
Preston Smith | EDGE | Age: 26
Trey Flowers is likely the top name on the market, and there is a chance he will get paid an elite contract without actually having provided elite production in his career. This brings us to Smith, who would be a perfect fit in the Colts’ one-gap front.
A versatile piece that can work both on the edge and kick inside, Smith is a strong pass rusher with a handful of moves. He wins with length, strong hands and strength from the edge. This helps him impact the passer while also providing support against the run.
Smith has dealt with some inconsistencies throughout his career, but the Colts have a strong coaching staff that could help him develop his game as he hits his prime.
Chris Conley | WR | Age: 26
Not one of the bigger names in free agency, Conley is still a player to watch following the first wave of signings. An athletic freak, Conley has yet to tap into the potential most saw in him coming into the 2015 draft.
Conley has shown bouts of his skill set during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, which overlapped with Ballard’s time in the team’s front office. Conley has the size and speed to work on the outside while also moving inside as a big slot receiver.
If the Colts feel they can tap into his potential similarly to Eric Ebron, Conley should be an intriguing fit for an offense that emphasizes speed.
Dante Fowler Jr. | EDGE | Age: 24
With a need to improve the pass rush, Fowler is an interesting prospect. He’s going to hit the market because the Rams can’t afford him in free agency but still could be a player that isn’t signed right away.
With a history of issues off the field and a significant knee injury his rookie season, Fowler hasn’t lived up to the No. 3 overall billing he was tagged in 2015. Still, he’s a solid fit as a speed rusher off the edge, which is what the Colts look for first in their rushers.
At an extremely young age, Fowler should command a decent market even if it is only for a one-year prove it deal.
Adrian Amos | S | Age: 26
Despite being a four-year starter that had an impact with the Bears, Amos is set to hit free agency in a loaded crop of safeties. With a nice skill set to work in the Colts’ two-high scheme, Amos should be a target, especially if Collins’ price gets too high.
A hard-hitting and sure tackler, Amos would also be able to provide the Colts with man coverage help against tight ends, which was a major weakness across the unit in 2018. His impact against the run could also help the Colts in run support.
Amos won’t command as much money as Collins in free agency, and his abilities in both zone and man coverage might make him more of an intriguing target when the new league year begins on March 13.
