Could the Indianapolis Colts lose one of their key free agents to the Houston Texans this offseason?
Pro Football Focus recently went through the top 15 free agents on the offensive side of the football and picked the best landing spots for each one of them.
For the Colts, PFF did not select them as a best landing spot for any of the top free agents on offense, but instead believe that right guard Will Fries would be a good fit for the Texans.
“Houston’s porous interior blocking proved to be a weakness the team struggled to overcome all year, and it ultimately sent the Texans packing from the playoffs. They surrendered the most interior sacks (24) in the NFL this season and will undoubtedly be looking to address that.”
For a Colts team that underwhelmed in 2024 and is in need of more competition throughout the roster, there needs to be a greater willingness from GM Chris Ballard to let some of his own players walk in order to bring in outside talent.
However, that rule shouldn’t apply to Fries. The Colts should attempt to bring him back.
After a strong showing in 2023, Fries was building upon that performance early on in 2024. Unfortunately, his season was cut short in Week 5 due to a season-ending leg injury.
But before that, Fries was among the most productive guards, according to PFF’s metrics. Out of 69 eligible guards through five games, Fries ranked fourth in run-blocking grade and 10th in pass-blocking grade.
If the Colts aren’t able to bring Fries back, they then have a hole at right guard to fill. Veterans Danny Pinter and Mark Glowinski are free agents as well, which would leave Dalton Tucker–who was benched late last season–as the primary option that is still currently on the roster.
