The Indianapolis Colts have enough money in terms of salary-cap space to make some moves during free agency, and Pro Football Focus predicts a pair of players being added to the roster.
In updating their projected landing spots for their top-50 ranked free agents of the 2022 offseason, Pro Football Focus believes the Colts will sign former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory and former Los Vegas Raiders cornerback Casey Hayward.
Here’s what they said about the Colts being predicted to sign Gregory:
14. EDGE RANDY GREGORY, DALLAS COWBOYS
Prediction: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – Two years, $25 million ($15 million guaranteed)
Gregory was inconsistent in 2021 but flashed elite upside. One such stretch saw him record a 90-plus PFF pass-rushing grade in three straight games (versus the Giants, Patriots and Vikings). His play was crucial to the Cowboys’ defensive success, especially after Demarcus Lawrence went out in Week 1.
The Colts recently hired Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator, and his philosophy is simple: rush four and play Cover 3, which only works an effective pass rush. Kwity Paye appears to be an effective pass-rusher, but adding Gregory opposite of him would enable Bradley’s scheme to flourish.
There is no denying the Colts need to add a viable edge rusher to the mix this offseason. While Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo have intriguing upside, the room still needs talent added to it.
Adding Hayward seems like an easy move as well. The Colts love taking shots on veteran cornerbacks and Hayward’s history with Gus Bradley will make that transition seamless.
25. CB CASEY HAYWARD JR., LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Prediction: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – One year, $6.5 million (fully guaranteed)
This feels like cheating, but Hayward and Gus Bradley should be on the same team until Hayward retires. Bradley’s Cover-3 scheme fits Hayward’s skill set perfectly, as it allows him to use his instincts and smarts. The Colts could replace Xavier Rhodes with Hayward on the outside.
However, coverage performance from year to year can be streaky. Hayward recorded a 59.5 PFF grade in 2020 and then a 76.6 in 2021, but he could just as easily revert back to a sub-60 grade in 2022.
The Colts have some big needs entering this offseason but if this how free agency starts for them, it would be a step in the right direction.
What do you think about these predictions, Colts fans? Let us know in the comments below!
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