Colts 'Legal Tampering' Free Agency Notebook
The legal tampering portion of NFL free agency has arrived, and the league's news cycle will now be fast and furious for the next several days.
In order to keep all of your Indianapolis Colts news in one place during this hectic portion of the NFL calendar, we bring you the "Colts 'Legal Tampering' Free Agency Notebook," starting with the most recent news up top.
*Contracts between players and new teams cannot be signed until 4:00pm ET on Wednesday, March 16.
QUARTERBACK OPTIONS DEVELOPING
Many of the same names have been recycled as new quarterback options for the Colts, but Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is really starting to pick up steam. The Browns are in trade talks for Deshaun Watson and if it happens, Mayfield is likely on his way out. What's his preferred destination in that scenario? Reportedly, it's Indianapolis. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is another trade candidate as his team also has interest in Watson. As for free agents, add Jameis Winston to the list of quarterbacks the Colts may have interest in.
COLTS BRINGING VERSATILE DL LEWIS BACK
The Colts retained another versatile lineman on Tuesday, but this time on the defensive side of the ball with Tyquan Lewis. In his four years, injuries have kept him from playing a full season with the exception of 2020. His impressive 2021 campaign ended halfway through when he suffered a patellar injury. Capable of playing and being productive all over the line, Lewis is an early candidate to start at the Colts' "big end" spot.
The Colts were in dire straits at left tackle coming into free agency but they made a subtle move to rectify that by re-signing utility lineman Matt Pryor on Tuesday. He started five games for the Colts in 2021 at right tackle (3), right guard (1), and left tackle (1). He'd likely be the Colts' starting left tackle if they had to play a game this week, but they are unlikely to be done looking at their options. Early free agency reports said Pryor's market was surprisingly strong.
COLTS SIGN FREE-AGENT CB FACYSON
The first outside player brought in by the Colts this free-agent period is cornerback Brandon Facyson, who has played for new Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley in stints with the Los Angeles Chargers (2018-21) and Las Vegas Raiders (2021) for each of his four seasons. The deal is reportedly for one year, although the financials are not yet disclosed. Our Zach Hicks has already broken down Facyson's film.
The Colts started retaining their own in-house free agents on Tuesday by re-signing team captain Zaire Franklin. The 2017 seventh-round pick is an integral part of the team's locker room and has been a standout on special teams throughout his career. The deal is reportedly for $12 million over three years, with $4 million guaranteed.
TEXANS TURNED DOWN COLTS' REQUEST TO MEET WITH WATSON
With the Colts attempting to "swing big" at quarterback this offseason, they reportedly looked into attaining a top-five NFL quarterback in the Houston Texans' Deshaun Watson. The AFC South rivals rebuffed the Colts' request, understandably not wanting to send a superstar into the division.
COLTS' REED'S MARKET TAKING SHAPE
With interior offensive linemen Alex Cappa, Ted Karras, Laken Tomlinson, Mason Cole, A.J. Cann, and now Glowinski already agreeing to new deals, guys like Reed will start to have a more urgent market. That's not great for the Colts financially, but Reed has earned a healthy payday, wherever that may be.
COLTS' GLOWINSKI JOINS GIANTS
Glowinski has been the Colts' starting right guard since 2018. Along with left tackle Eric Fisher, the Colts will now need to replace two starting offensive linemen. Chris Reed supplanted Glowinski as the Colts' briefly and is also a free agent, so it'll be important for the Colts to either bring Reed back or find a capable replacement.
BRIDGEWATER AGREES TO JOIN DOLPHINS
Bridgewater was another common QB name linked to the Colts, but he becomes the latest potential starting quarterback to join another team. He'll now back up Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.
ENGRAM JOINS DIVISIONAL-RIVAL JAGUARS
The Colts were said to potentially be in on New York Giants tight end Evan Engram, but the playmaker is now joining an impressive free-agent class with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The deal is reportedly for one year and up to $10 million.
HILTON HAS MUTUAL INTEREST WITH COLTS BUT WILL WEIGH OPTIONS
Colts 11-year receiver T.Y. Hilton was a guest on NFL Network on Monday and was asked about returning to the Colts.
"Would I love to finish my career there? Absolutely," Hilton said. "But I've also gotta look at other teams 'cause I'm a free agent so it's only right I do my due diligence and see what's out there and see what teams are looking for."
When asked if there is a frontrunner for his services, Hilton said no team has stood out quite yet.
"I don't have none yet," he said. "There's a couple guys that've reached out to me and would love to have me on their team. And Indy wants me back, so I'm just weighing my situation and weighing my options and seeing which team can use me."
The Colts' lone starting tight end is reportedly returning home back to Indy on a three-year deal. Per Joe Erickson, it's worth roughly $18 million. Signed as a free agent in 2017, Alie-Cox is one of the Colts' true homegrown talent stories. He came into the league as a basketball player with very little football background. Year by year, he's gotten better, becoming a regular starter in 2020. In 57 career games (16 starts), Alie-Cox has totaled 70 receptions for 936 yards (13.2 avg.) and 8 touchdowns. Known for his blocking and big-play abilities, he is now the Colts' defacto top tight end following the retirement of Jack Doyle.
COLTS ANNOUNCE 2022 COACHING CHANGES
Including the addition of legendary former player Reggie Wayne as the new wide receivers coach, the Colts' officially announced their coaching changes for the 2022 season.
TRUBISKY OFF THE BOARD, COLTS STILL INTERESTED IN GAROPPOLO
The Steelers have agreed on a contract with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who was a rumored option for the Colts. With Trubisky now off the board, the Colts reportedly still have interest in trading for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
COLTS HAVE 'PRELIMINARY' INTEREST IN VALDES SCANTLING
The Colts need a downfield threat at wide receiver, and they are reportedly exploring their options including Green Bay Packers receiver Marquez Valdes Scantling. Per Joel Erickson of The Indianapolis Star, the Colts' interest is still preliminary.
COLTS TENDER OFFER TO RFA DULIN
With the Colts' needs at wide receiver, they are starting by addressing their own players. They have tendered restricted free agent Ashton Dulin with a right of first refusal offer, which is valued at $2.433 million. The Colts now have the right to counter any offer Dulin receives from another team. Along with providing depth at receiver, Dulin is an elite special teamer.
What do you think of the legal tampering period so far? Drop your thoughts below in the comment section!
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