The offseason is officially here for the Indianapolis Colts and while the majority of the moves to be made won’t happen for a few months, there is still a lot to be done before the 2020 season arrives.
As the Colts try to get back to being a perennial playoff team, there are several objectives they must accomplish beginning this offseason. From adding players in free agency to potentially drafting a new quarterback, general manager Chris Ballard should be a busy man this offseason.
Here are six objectives the Colts must accomplish this offseason:
Re-sign LT Anthony Castonzo
This is becoming the top priority quickly. It was already high on the list but with the news that Castonzo might be considering retirement, there is a certain level of panic that the Colts could lose one of their most valuable players on the offensive side of the ball.
Castonzo is coming off of the best season of his career holding down the blindside. At 31 years old, his career is certainly passed its prime. However, he proved to be a borderline elite left tackle during the 2019 season. Finding a way to convince Castonzo to stay for one or two more years is vital.
That would give Ballard enough time to find a potential replacement while also keeping a highly talented option on the offensive line. The Colts will respect Castonzo’s wishes—whatever they may be—but if there’s any way to keep him playing, they must do so.
Address the QB situation
Ah yes, everyone’s favorite debate. What will the Colts do at the quarterback position this offseason? Most would agree that Jacoby Brissett isn’t the answer long-term. The Colts gave him a chance to show he could be, but it is clear he isn’t. This leads many to believe Chris Ballard and the front office will look to replace him for the 2020 season.
However, there is also the chance the Colts stick by Brissett again for the 2020 season. They aren’t shy about how much they love Brissett as a leader and some coaches believe he would have had a better year if not for injuries to both himself and his skill players.
When it comes down to it, though, the Colts have to find a different option under center. That most likely comes in the form of a rookie that works under Brissett for the 2020 season or even one that takes the starting job right away.
Regardless, the Colts have to address the future of the quarterback position.
Go get Yannick Ngakoue
The Colts will be entering free agency with potentially the most salary-cap space in the NFL for the second offseason in a row. Chris Ballard has proven to pick his spots in terms of spending, but it is time for him to splurge on a pass rusher that could make a huge difference.
While there is plenty of optimism with youngsters Kemoko Turay and Ben Banogu to go with the strong play of Justin Houston, Ngakoue would be an incredible piece to add to the pass rush. Turning 25 years old in March, Ngakoue has 37.5 sacks and 85 quarterback hits in his four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Colts will have to pay up to get Ngakoue but sometimes that is what is needed to bring in a special talent. A consistent and reliable pass rusher, Ngakoue should be one of the top priorities for the front office this offseason.
Bolster the WR room
This can be done in many ways. T.Y. Hilton is still under contract for one more season but he must prove he can stay healthy. There is a future with Parris Campbell if he can come back strong while Zach Pascal and Marcus Johnson are solid depth pieces.
But the Colts need to add some high-end talent to the room. They could bring back Devin Funchess on another one-year deal after a lost season due to a broken collarbone. They could also pine for Amari Cooper if he winds up hitting free agency. There is also the incredibly loaded draft class coming up, which is the most likely route for the Colts to take.
Regardless, the wide receiver room was stretched thin due to injuries in 2019 and while there are some solid depth players, the Colts have to infuse the room with top-end talent this offseason.
Add to the interior defensive line
The Colts still have some areas to address on the defensive side of the ball and one of the more pressing areas is the interior defensive line. Grover Stewart emerged as a strong option at the one-technique, but the Colts have to find a way to get consistent pressure from the three-technique.
Denico Autry flopped big time after his nine-sack season in 2018. Margus Hunt is likely to be cut, and Tyquan Lewis hasn’t shown any inkling of being an impact player in the slightest. The Colts will have their chances to add to the interior defensive line both through free agency and the 2020 draft.
There are several areas the Colts must address on the defensive side of the ball, but the interior defensive line takes precedence.
Move on from Adam Vinatieri
Finally, an order of business that should have taken place earlier in the season. The Colts must move on from the future Hall of Famer in Vinatieri. It has been a wonderful ride since he arrived in 2006, and he’s been nothing short of incredible during his tenure here. But this is where it must come to an end.
Vinatieri’s struggles were well beyond his injuries. He just turned 47 years old and is coming off of a season in which he missed the most kicks of his career (14). He did so in just 12 games.
What makes this easier is that Vinatieri’s replacement in Chase McLaughlin was excellent down the stretch and the Colts just signed him to a one-year extension.
It has been a fun ride with the greatest kicker of all-time, but it is officially time to move on.
