In less than a week, the Indianapolis Colts will begin negotiating with players in free agency as the team looks to further its roster development into one of the elite units around the league.
Barring any changes, the Colts will have the most salary cap space in the NFL. Though it is unlikely they will be massive spenders in free agency, there are options they will consider as general manager Chris Ballard looks to improve the roster with depth and talent.
The legal tampering period, which allows teams to negotiate with impending free agents before the start of the new league year, begins March 11 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Some signings will be reported but nothing is official until the new league year begins March 13 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
As free agency draws near, here is our big board for the Colts:
1. Trey Flowers, EDGE: Likely the top pass rusher on the market, the Colts could be players for Flowers, who has been a consistent threat in the Patriots’ defensive front. At 26 years old, Flowers knows how to get upfield with strength while setting a strong edge against the run. He’d work well in the one-gap scheme.
2. Landon Collins, SAF: Surprisingly hitting the market after the Giants elected to not franchise tag him, Collins is the top safety free agent in a deep crop. He’s a strong fit for the two-high scheme as he can work as a deep-half safety or provide help in the box, which is what he does best.
3. Preston Smith, EDGE: Though he worked in a 3-4 with Washington, Smith has the size, strength and length to be a defensive end for the Colts. He’s had some consistency issues in terms of production, but he’s a strong fit for Indy’s attacking front with solid traits.
4. Adrian Amos, SAF: A versatile piece that can play all over the secondary, Amos is a physical safety that exudes explosion and awareness. He’s a hard-hitter that also has improved in man coverage, which would aid the Colts and their weakness against tight ends.
5. Tyrell Williams, WR: Needing depth behind T.Y. Hilton, Williams is going to command top dollar. Will the Colts pay up? It isn’t clear what their value on him is, but there is extremely high upside with Williams in the Colts offense after he’s averaged 15.9 yards per reception since 2016.
6. Tyrann Mathieu, SAF: Playing bigger than his size, the Honey Badger is a versatile piece that is still a solid playmaker despite not having the same production as the early parts of his career. The Colts defense could use a talent like Mathieu roaming the secondary and in the slot.
7. Sheldon Richardson, DT: Despite some off the field issues, Richardson is an intriguing target for the Colts given his ability to get upfield from the interior while also providing support against the run. He’s scheme versatile and disruptive from the interior.
8. Za’Darius Smith, EDGE: Versatility and pass rushing ability make Smith a likely hot target in free agency. He has inconsistencies rushing from the edge, but he has the ability to kick inside and collapse the pocket with a devastating chop move.
9. Golden Tate, WR: Don’t let his age and lack of production with the Eagles fool you, Tate is still a solid slot receiver. A menace after the catch, Tate would be a solid fit in the Colts offense, which emphasizes speed, reliable catching ability and creating yards after the catch.
10. Kwon Alexander, LB: Despite a torn ACL that ended his 2018 season, Alexander is an intriguing fit for the Colts given his speed and athleticism. Just 24 years old, Alexander would fit perfectly next to Darius Leonard.
11. C.J. Mosely, LB: There’s a chance the Colts can pursue Mosely, who is coming off of another Pro Bowl season. He struggles in coverage but is an upper-echelon run defender. They shouldn’t overpay for him, but he’s definitely intriguing.
12. Steven Nelson, CB: The Colts will need to add depth to the cornerback room, especially if Pierre Desir hits the market. Nelson is a solid boundary corner that had a strong year with the Chiefs despite being on one of the worst pass defenses in the league.
13. Adam Humphries, WR: Another YAC slot receiver, Humphries saved his career year for his contract season. The Colts shouldn’t overpay for him, but his quick release, reliable hands and YAC abilities would work well with Andrew Luck.
14. Shaq Barrett, EDGE: Though his starting gig never came in a crowded Broncos pass rush, Barrett was productive and effective rushing the passer in a limited role. He has 14.0 sacks in 61 career games (15 starts).
15. Dante Fowler, EDGE: Due to a history of issues off the field and a lack of production, Fowler comes with major risk. However, he’d be a strong fit for the Colts’ one-gap scheme providing a speed rush off the edge.
16. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, SAF: Despite solid production with the Packers and Redskins, Clinton-Dix hits the open market as an option for the Colts following the initial wave of free agency.
17. Le’Veon Bell, RB: Though it is unlikely Bell is signed by the Colts, his sheer talent puts him on the list. He’d be an amazing fit in the offense, but his price alone likely keeps the Colts from pursuing. It’s unlikely a deal is made, but Bell is still one of the top free agents available.
18. Darius Philon, DT: An under-the-radar free agent for the Colts, Philon is one to keep an eye on after the first wave of free agency. He had at least 4.0 sacks in the last two seasons with the Chargers while rarely seeing consistent playing time.
19. Chris Conley, WR: A former Ballard draft pick, Conley is an intriguing target simply given his elite athleticism and speed. He’s yet to tap into his potential, but he’d be an exciting addition to an explosive offense.
20. Ronald Darby, CB: The 25-year-old should come cheap after tearing his ACL in November. He could miss some of the season, but Darby is still a talented cornerback that could provide the Colts with starting-caliber play upon his return.
21. Kenny Vaccaro, SAF: Likely a depth signing, Vaccaro can provide versatility to any defense he plays in. He can play as the free safety, strong safety and has occasionally worked in the slot throughout his career.
22. Tevin Coleman, RB: The Colts don’t need help in the backfield, but Coleman has some intriguing talent. He disappointed in 2018 after getting the majority of the work but still could be a nice fit with Marlon Mack.
23. Ezekiel Ansah, EDGE: Age and injuries are a concern with Ansah, but there will likely be some teams that take a chance on the Ghana native. Health is a key for the veteran as the Lions decided against using the franchise tag.
24. Adrian Phillips, SAF: Another signing that would be more for depth than an immediate starter, Phillips can work as a strong safety with the propensity to excel on special teams.
25. Jamison Crowder, WR: Dealing with injuries and inconsistent quarterback play, a change of scenery might be best for Crowder, who can be a legit weapon from the slot when healthy.
