Even though the Super Bowl has yet to arrive, the Indianapolis Colts are well into their offseason evaluation as they prepare for free agency in March and a crucial NFL draft in April.
There are several needs the Colts must address this offseason. The quarterback position is the biggest one and even though it is unlikely Chris Ballard will use free agency to quell the concern, it is still important to know what the options are out on the market.
A lot of the players on this list might re-sign with their current teams at some point but as of now, they are set to be free agents when the new league year begins in March.
The Colts might not have an interest in any or even all of the options on the market, but here are their options in free agency:
Philip Rivers
After 16 seasons leading both the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers, it seems Rivers and the only team he’s ever played for are heading for a split. Rivers is at the end of his four-year, $82.25 million contract and could be heading to free agency.
Rivers likely wouldn’t be that much of an upgrade over Jacoby Brissett. At 36 years old, Rivers does like to push the ball downfield, but he does so somewhat recklessly. He threw 23 touchdowns to 20 interceptions in 2019 while his touchdown percentage dipped to a career-low 3.9%.
Rivers has experience working with Frank Reich, which is a plus. However, his immobility and declining arm strength likely keep the Colts away.
Tom Brady
There aren’t many players that Colts fans loathe more than Brady. He’s been persona non grata since helping forge the dynasty of the Patriots. There’s a chance he hits the free-agent market, and the Colts have been pegged as a suitor for the 43-year-old.
Brady is an interesting option but one that likely doesn’t come to fruition. His play has declined to the point where it doesn’t appear he can carry an offense. He had the same yards per attempt (6.6) as Jacoby Brissett in 2019. Maybe he would benefit from a better offensive line, but Brady is likely going to cost a pretty penny even with a discount.
Brady would probably give the Colts a slight upgrade at quarterback but not to the point where they want to pay two quarterbacks top-10 money.
Jameis Winston
In baseball, the 30/30 club is viewed as a milestone of sorts. Hitting 30 home runs and stealing 30 bases in a single season is a tough thing to do. Winston found himself in 30/30 club of his own, but it hardly comes with the same amount of praise.
Jameis was solid in throwing 33 touchdown passes during the regular season, but he also threw 30 interceptions. In Bruce Arians’ offense, Winston was the epitome of a quarterback that took risks. It worked out well at times as he threw for 5,109 yards and 8.2 yards per attempt. It also cost the Bucs several drives that ended in interceptions.
Winston would be interesting because of his affinity to push the ball downfield and maybe Frank Reich could help him with decision making. But it’s unlikely the Colts will dish out a big contract for the 26-year-old.
Drew Brees
Brees made some big history during the 2019 season and proved he’s still an above-average passer even though he just turned 41 years old. It’s likely that Brees returns to the Saints this offseason, but the NFL is unpredictable at times.
If Brees does become available, he would be one of the few free agents the Colts should consider signing. Having two quarterbacks on relatively big contracts isn’t great for the future, but the Colts have the money to pull something like that off for the short term.
No one is really expecting Brees to leave but if he does, the Colts would be an interesting destination.
Teddy Bridgewater
Another Saints quarterback that is primed to hit the free-agent market, Bridgewater likely isn’t an option the Colts are considering but he is still an option.
Bridgewater filled in nicely for five games when Drew Brees had a thumb injury. He wound up throwing nine touchdown passes and two interceptions while averaging 7.1 yards per attempt.
Some quarterback-needy teams could be looking for Bridgewater to come in, but the Colts would likely be making a lateral move if they brought him in to supplant or compete with Jacoby Brissett.
Marcus Mariota
There aren’t many things going for Mariota other than his age and potentially his mobility, though the latter hasn’t had a major hand in production in his career. Still, Mariota is an option they can consider.
The former No. 2 overall pick hasn’t been consistent throughout his young NFL career, and he’s dealt with injuries almost every season. He was benched for Ryan Tannehill halfway through the 2019 season—a move that nearly got the Titans to the Super Bowl.
Mariota will probably get some looks from teams thinking they can bank on his potential, but it likely won’t be the Colts.
Dak Prescott
Prescott is at the end of the list mostly because there should be no reason he hits the free-agent market. If he does (he won’t), the Colts should be heavily interested in signing him.
Prescott is coming off of his best season yet thanks to some innovations from offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. He threw for 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Imagine what he could do with Frank Reich calling his plays.
Prescott won’t hit the market because the Cowboys won’t let that happen but as of now, he’s set to hit the market so he makes the list.
