In the coming weeks, we will be taking a closer look at each of the Indianapolis Colts’ unrestricted free agents and making a prediction as to whether or not they will return for the 2025 season.
Up next is right guard Will Fries. To see our prediction on whether or not safety Julian Blackmon will return, click here.
Fries’ 2024 season was, unfortunately, cut short in Week 5 due to a tibia injury suffered against Jacksonville. However, before then, he was playing at a very high level, ranking fourth in PFF’s run-blocking grade among all guards and 10th in pass-blocking grade.
If Fries were to go elsewhere in free agency, the Colts would then have a massive hole at right guard. Neither Mark Glowinski nor Danny Pinter are the caliber of players that Fries is nor are they long-term options, but they are free agents as well, so the only viable right guard option on the roster right now is Dalton Tucker, who was benched late last season.
While Anthony Richardson’s play will determine how good this Colts’ offense can be, any chance of sustained success for him begins with the offensive line play. Having a run game to lean on can keep the offense out of predictable down-and-distances and open up opportunities in the passing game, and we all know how important time in the pocket is for any quarterback.
With the guard market having really exploded last offseason, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently mentioned that Fries is likely in-store for a big pay day this offseason.
PFF recently projected that he will earn a four-year $57.25 million deal on the open market.
However, whatever the price ends up being, this is a re-signing that the Colts have to make. Success for the offense starts in the trenches and Fries was playing at a high level last season.
The Colts currently rank 18th in available salary cap space with just over $24 million, but they do have the means to create more room through restructures to be able to sign Fries while still addressing other needs.
Prediction: The Colts re-sign Fries
