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    What Needs to Change with the Indianapolis Colts?

    Colts Free Agency: Sneak Peek at 19 Players

    The Indianapolis Colts have 19 players due to hit free agency in the offseason; what should be the fate of each player?

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    Indianapolis Colts
    Indianapolis Colts

    With just one game remaining in the regular season for the Indianapolis Colts and no postseason ahead, it's evaluation time.

    The team has some important decisions to make next offseason from the top to the bottom. The season hasn't gone anywhere near expectations and it means that everything is on the table and almost certainly that no one is safe in their position.

    Today, we'll take a look at the Colts' 19 upcoming internal free agents and what the team might look to do about them. Note, the Colts are projected to have approximately $31 million in cap space heading into the offseason according to OverTheCap.com.

    UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

    WR Parris Campbell

    Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Parris Campbell (1) reaches to keep the ball inside the pylon for a touchdown as he's tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams (31) on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

    For the first time in four years, Campbell has managed to stay healthy and play an entire season. His previous career high was seven games, but he's seen action in all 16 this season (started 15) and has been the dangerous weapon that the Colts thought he could be. Honestly, the team might be underutilizing him, still, but he does rank second on the team in receptions (57), targets (82), and receiving yards (581), and is tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns (3). Campbell needed to stay healthy and perform well in this contract year, so he's earned a shot at being re-signed by the Colts. The tricky part is, how much do you offer a player who only now has played a healthy season?

    LB Bobby Okereke

    Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson (24) evades a tackle by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, during a game against the Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

    After yet another season where he improved from the year before, this would be a layup for the Colts to re-sign Okereke if it weren't for the money that the Colts already have tied up in the linebacker position. Shaquille Leonard already makes nearly $20 million per year and Okereke is likely to get at least half of that with his next deal. Linebacker just isn't a critical enough position to have that much salary cap space occupied. Now, Leonard's health and future is the biggest X-factor. He's currently on Injured Reserve after undergoing a second procedure on his back, so we don't know if there will be any developments on his situation in the offseason.

    DE Yannick Ngakoue

    Sep 25, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium.

    Any team would sign up to have one of their starting edge defenders get 8.0-plus sacks per season like Ngakoue has in each year of his career. However, that comes at a cost (currently making $13 million per year), and Ngakoue offers very little beyond rushing the passer. This season, he ranks 51st out of 53 qualifying edge defenders in Pro Football Focus' run defense grade (43.7). Are the sacks worth it? At this point of his career, Ngakoue is still going to command decent money and a starting position.

    S Rodney McLeod

    Sep 25, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney McLeod (26) celebrates intercepting a ball in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

    Would McLeod want to come back to a team in as dire straits as the Colts? If they were in a position to win now, it would be more appropriate to bring McLeod back. He's been an excellent addition and has set numerous career-highs in this, his 11th season. However, the Colts have a handful of young, promising players at safety that could benefit from seeing snaps that McLeod is getting, Nick Cross in particular.

    LB E.J. Speed

    Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) celebrates after a play Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, during a game against the Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

    Speed has gotten better in each season and has grown leaps and bounds on defense. He's an outstanding run defender, ranking 13th in the NFL among linebackers in run defense (79.3), and he's been one of the Colts' core special teamers for a few years now.

    K Chase McLaughlin

    Sep 25, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Chase McLaughlin (7) celebrates a field goal during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium.

    If you have a kicker that isn't causing you grief, keep them. The Colts had issues with Adam Vinatieri in 2019 and Rodrigo Blankenship early this season before McLaughlin took over. He responded with the best season of his career, making 29-of-35 field goals (82.9%), including 8-of-11 from 50-plus yards (72.7%). He's also yet to miss an extra point (17-of-17).

    DL Tyquan Lewis

    Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Tyquan Lewis (94) pressures Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) as his pass is intercepted Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, during a game against the Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

    The Colts could opt to give Lewis another one-year, prove-it deal. He's suffered midseason, season-ending patellar (knee) injuries in back-to-back years, but he was having one of his better campaigns before the most recent injury. He's a solid, well-rounded defensive lineman that can play anywhere on the line. He'll come dirt cheap and will give you at least a handful of good games.

    CB Brandon Facyson

    Sep 18, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Brandon Facyson (31) blocks a pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) in the fourth quarter at TIAA Bank Field.

    Facyson has caught plenty of flack for penalties and giving up some big plays but he hasn't been that bad. However, the Colts have Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and Dallis Flowers that need to see more and more snaps.

    OL Matt Pryor

    Sep 18, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) is blocked by Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Matt Pryor (69) in the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field.

    Simply put, this one didn't work out.

    WR Ashton Dulin

    Dec 4, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

    There's almost no reason for the Colts not to bring Dulin back. He's a high-end special teamer, a quality depth receiver, and is likely to come pretty cheap. Every team needs guys like Dulin

    OL Dennis Kelly

    Oct 23, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Bud Dupree (48) is blocked by Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Dennis Kelly (73) as quarterback Matt Ryan (2) attempts a pass during the first half at Nissan Stadium.

    If the Colts can keep Kelly put as the backup right tackle rather than playing him out of position at left tackle, he can probably give them reliable depth. However, he played at a replacement level this season.

    P Matt Haack

    Oct 30, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts punter Matt Haack (6) punts the ball during the game against the Washington Commanders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

    I'm not sure I've seen one punter have so many errant kicks in a season. Everyone misses you, Rigo.

    CB Tony Brown

    Aug 20, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Tony Brown (38) intercepts the ball in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium.

    Brown is a quality special teams player and can provide depth at cornerback on the boundary or in the slot.

    DL Byron Cowart

    Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Byron Cowart (96) reacts after making a tackle Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

    According to PFF, Cowart has been the Colts' worst defensive player this season with a grade of 31.7, including 29.2 in run defense. They have rookie Eric Johnson II who needs more snaps.

    DE Ben Banogu

    Aug 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jaelon Darden (1) is chased out of bounds by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Ben Banogu (52) during a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

    Another year, in a new system, and Banogu hasn't produced. He has the team's worst grade in tackling (29.2) and has only generated 2 pressures in 55 pass-rush snaps, per PFF.

    S Armani Watts

    Aug 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Armani Watts (33) is yells in pain with an injury early in the first quarter during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium.

    We never got to truly see Watts in action with the Colts because he got knocked out for the year with an ankle injury during the preseason. However, he's thought to provide good special teams play and quality depth at safety.

    RESTRICTED/EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

    DE Khalid Kareem (RFA)

    Jan 22, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Khalid Kareem (90) celebrates after the Bengals defeated the Tennessee Titans 19-16 during the AFC Divisional playoff football game at Nissan Stadium.

    Kareem only recently joined the Colts, seeing 39 snaps in 3 games, but it's been overall fine. He lost the edge on a couple of plays but did generate a pair of pressure a couple of weeks ago against the Los Angeles Chargers. 

    DT Chris Williams (ERFA)

    Detroit Lions tight end Darren Fells (80) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Chris Williams (66) during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit, Friday, August 27, 2021.

    Williams has seen action in only five games at a position for the Colts that lacks adequate depth. He entered training camp at the team's third defensive tackle but then a lower leg injury cost him quite a bit of practice time. Since then, he's spent time on the practice squad and then on and off the active gameday roster throughout the year.

    RB Deon Jackson (ERFA)

    Indianapolis Colts running back Deon Jackson (35) rushes to the end zone Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

    Jackson fell behind newcomer Zack Moss on the depth chart but he's still a quality running back who can run between the tackles and catch the ball. He's also a contributor on special teams. Especially as an exclusive-rights free agent, he should be back.

    Before the offseason begins, get reacquainted with the different types of free agents, per NFL.com:

    Unrestricted free agent (UFA): Any player with four or more accrued seasons and an expired contract; free to negotiate and sign with any team.

    Restricted free agent (RFA): A player with three accrued seasons and an expired contract. RFAs are free to negotiate and sign with any team, but their original team can offer them one of various qualifying offers ("tenders") that come with the right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation. If the tender is withdrawn by a team, the RFA becomes an unrestricted free agent.

    Exclusive rights free agent (ERFA): Any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract. If his original team offers him a one-year contract at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), the player cannot negotiate with other teams.

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