2024 season: 8-9, second in AFC South, missed in playoffs
Preview: The Indianapolis colts were close to the playoffs, but again, they failed.
The colts missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, and in three of these four seasons, they won eight or nine games. They do not seem too far away, although we have said it a few times recently.
The colts were in the playoff hunting until week 17, when they underwent an embarrassing loss for the New York giants. Along the way, there were major questions about the development of the quarter Anthony Richardson and a defense that was once again bad. There is talent on the list, but it seems that it takes a moment that the colts do not remove much from a project course.
The colts must feel that they are a little close, considering that the owner of the Jim Irsay team has decided to keep the head coach Shane Steichen and the director general Chris Ballard despite the qualifiers. Let them succeed that Hump probably depends on the question of knowing if Richardson becomes a high -end QB. The colts will once again try his offseason to find it help.
NFLPA report card
Classification: 19th
While head coach Shane Stechen and New Force coach Mike Minnis received positive comments, the players called the team’s missing food options and a cramped team plane for outside matches.
Here’s how he broke down from the NFLPA and where the colts rank:
Key -free agents
C Ryan Kelly
LB EJ Speed
S Julian Blackmon
G Will Fries
By Dayo Odeyingbo
QB Joe Flacco
Who is in / out: The colts have always put the priority to keep their agents free, and there is a lot this season that they would probably like to recover. Kelly will be 32 years old next season but is still part of the line. Fries had a leg injury at the end of the season but played well. The speed, Blackmon and Odeyingbo were entries. It will be difficult for the colts to recover them all, and they will have to prioritize carefully. As for Flacco, he has had a season, but the colts need to understand whoever they want in the quarter room alongside Richardson.
Key needs for free agent
END
Secondary
Strategist
Why the holes? The colts have always been cautious in free agency, rarely choosing to spend too much on anyone. Perhaps they should have spent more. The colts are stuck to see him on their large recovery swing with Anthony Richardson, and all they can do now is to build around him in the hope that he is developing. Obtaining a backup for Richardson, in case it lacks time due to injuries or disappointed is a priority. Building a nucleus around Richardson could mean spending external aid. A tight end would be good and the quarters get the help of good defenses. We will see if the colts have a philosophical change this offseason. They may have to do it, with Ballard and Steichen feeling a little warmth.
Do they have the money?
The colts are in the middle of the NFL in terms of flexibility of the salary cap. They have a projected ceiling space of $ 31 million, According to Spotrac. This is enough to make at least a few key defensive additions.
Notable potential cuts
By Samson Ebukam
The Tyquan Lewis
Dt Raekwon Davis
Why they might have left: The colts can erase a lot of money by reducing certain defensive line players whose production does not correspond to their salary. Cutting Ebukam, Lewis and Davis would erase more than $ 19 million in ceiling space. These three handsets for 1.5 bags last season. The colts should then reorganize on the defensive line, but it is not a bad thing.
Draft choice
1st round: n ° 14
2nd round: n ° 45
3rd round: n ° 80
4th round
5th round
6th round
7th round
Good draft adjustment
Shavon Revel Jr., Cb, Caroline de l’Est
Why him? The colts were better than expected at the corner last season, but could still use the help. Revel would be suitable for a secondary who needs players. Perhaps security can be treated in middle towers.
Anthony Richardson jumps during the offseason
This will be difficult to follow and frankly, we will not know if it is a reality before the start of the games. However, we will have indices on internal confidence surrounding their franchise passer according to the way in which Indianapolis is approaching the offseason. I expect the colts to add a certain degree of competition. There are a lot of talents in the wide receptor room of the colts, but they need a stable quarter-back game to maximize their capacities. – Matt Harmon
(Tagstranslate) Indianapolis Colts (T) Anthony Richardson (T) Chris Ballard (T) Shane Steichen (T) NFLPA (T) Julian Blackmon (T) Dayo Odeyingbo (T) New York Giants (T) Joe Flacco (T) Ryan Kelly