Colts Conservative Offseason

Indianapolis entered the offseason with a huge amount of cap space, so it was surprising to see them sit back and watch as big name free agents like Le’Veon Bell, Golden Tate, and Sheldon Richardson were scooped up by other teams. After going 10-6 and exiting the playoffs early, it seemed as though this young Colts team was just a piece or two away from becoming a real Super Bowl contender. However, the majority of their money this summer went to resigning role players across the defense such as: Pierre Desir, Clayton Geathers, and Margus Hunt. Guard Mark Glowinski and 46 year old kicker Adam Vinatieri are returning as well.

They did add an extra weapon for Pro Bowl quarterback and Comeback Player of the Year Andrew Luck in the signing of Devin Funchess from Carolina. The Funchess contract is a one year deal worth upwards of $13 million. The Colts were thin at receiver, But was a player who has never caught more than 63 passes in a season really worth that kind of money? It is a one year deal so they won’t have to worry about that signing in their long term financial plans. Indianapolis also added Kansas city linebacker Justin Houston. After watching Houston sack Luck twice and recover a fumble in their 31-13 loss to the Chiefs in the divisional round of the 2019 playoffs, they decided to add the 30 year old 4 time pro bowler on a 2 year deal worth $24 million. The Houston signing is a solid one, the Colts lacked a good pass rush and this addition certainly helps bolster that need. In the draft Indianapolis managed to trade their first rounder which led to them having 10 picks and 3 in the second round alone. They filled some spots that were weak and the selection of Ohio State wide receiver Parris Campbell was a great one. Campbell can absolutely fly as he recorded a 4.31 forty yard dash at this years combine. I can guarantee Andrew Luck will have some fun throwing to this kid. The Colts can’t really be praised or criticized after these moves, they had a lot of money to spend and they spent it pretty conservatively returning nearly the whole defense while adding a new beast at linebacker. They needed depth at wide receiver and although they overpaid they still filled that need. Doing good work in the draft has this teams already bright future looking even brighter. The phrase “Run it back” seems like one that should be attributed to this 2019-2020 Colts season.

Will Indianapolis look back at this offseason as a disappointment or a success? Only time will tell. They already had the pieces to do great things and one thing is for sure. Andrew Luck, Marlon Mack, T.Y. Hilton, and Darius Leonard are going to be Super Bowl hunting for years to come.