With the most salary-cap space in the NFL and several needs to address, the Indianapolis Colts are expected to be somewhat aggressive when the free-agent market opens next week.
We say “somewhat aggressive” because we already know general manager Chris Ballard isn’t going to splurge just to fill a need. He’s likely going to wait out the initial wave of signings with a wrinkle or two mixed in.
With free agency just a few days away, The Athletic listed three fits for the Colts. All three seems pretty realistic targets for Indy:
“Indianapolis Colts
WR Christian Kirk
OT Joseph Noteboom
CB Casey HaywardThe Colts typically haven’t been aggressive in free agency, but given how frustrated Jim Irsay was with last year’s showing, maybe that changes this offseason. We don’t yet know who’s playing quarterback for the Colts, but we do know that he will need someone to throw to other than Michael Pittman Jr. Kirk was a productive slot receiver last season in Arizona, finishing with 77 catches for 982 yards. Left tackle is a need area for the Colts, but they don’t have a first-round pick. Noteboom has just 18 starts under his belt, but he’s only 27 and looked like a capable left tackle when asked to fill in for Andrew Whitworth. Hayward is 33, but he’s coming off of a fantastic season with the Raiders and could be a nice option on a one-year deal. His defensive coordinator in Vegas was Gus Bradley, who is now running the defense in Indy.”
Starting with Kirk, he would give the Colts a versatile option both downfield and in the intermediate game. He’ll be the most expensive of this trio, but he’s a strong complement to Pittman Jr. as the WR2 in the offense.
Noteboom is arguably my favorite and most realistic target for the Colts if they decide not to pursue Terron Armstead. The 26-year-old Noteboom would be a cheap, high-upside piece to the offensive line while possessing the necessary size and athleticism the Colts covet in offensive tackles.
Hayward has been a favorite to join the Colts ever since Gus Bradley was hired as the defensive coordinator. At this point, it would be more shocking if Hayward didn’t sign with the Colts in free agency.
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