3 Free Agents Who Could Have Major Impact With Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are heading into the 2024 offseason with roster needs that these free agents could fill.

The Indianapolis Colts have one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, but it didn't show in their 9-8 finish. Shane Steichen did well with an inexperienced squad coming off one of the worst seasons in Indy's franchise history. 

However, the team will still have spots to fill with talent on both sides of the ball. While Indy has names like defensive tackle Grover Stewart, cornerback Kenny Moore II, safety Julian Blackmon, and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. as free agents, it's possible most, if not all four, will be retained. 

Even if this quadrant of playmakers comes back with fresh signings, the Colts still need help in certain areas. With over $66 million in cap space, the team could make some splashes. 

With this laid out, let's look at three names on the free agent market that Chris Ballard should consider signing if the price is right. 

Chidobe Awuzie | Cornerback

Veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie could be a great fit for Gus Bradley's defense, especially considering how young the secondary is. While the Colts will get back Dallis Flowers in 2024, they still might want a seasoned presence. Enter Awuzie. 

The seven-year pro has 74 starts, 369 tackles, six interceptions, and 62 passes defended. Awuzie is also a solid run defender and tackler, which can add even more versatility to the corner room for Indy. While he didn't light the league on fire in three years (2021-2023) with the Cincinnati Bengals, he could help a defense that desperately needs experienced players. 

He likely wouldn't command much money, coming off a three-year deal averaging $7.25 million per year with Cincy, per Spotrac. While Ballard isn't one to shell out money, Awuzie would be a reasonably priced solution that could pay off in a big way. 

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Devin Bush | Linebacker

The former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2019) has fallen off in production since his torrid entry campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After playing for Mike Tomlin's defense for four seasons, the team allowed him to test free agency where he signed with the Seattle Seahawks for a one-year deal worth $3.5 million, per Spotrac. 

In 2023 Bush played 13 games (three starts) and grabbed 37 tackles, five tackles for loss, and a 56.3 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus. 

Bush could be for linebacker insurance and specific sets more than anything. But he may have a chance to bounce back alongside starters E.J. Speed and Zaire Franklin in Indy. 

Marquise Brown | Wide Receiver

Marquise "Hollywood" Brown hasn't been his explosive self since leaving Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens (2019-2021). But, given the play calling of Steichen and the deep-ball ability of quarterback Anthony Richardson, this signing makes too much sense.

Through five seasons Brown has 313 catches for 3,644 receiving yards, 28 TDs, and countless big plays. Brown likely needs a system that can accommodate his "speedster" style, and the Colts are a perfect fit given the lack of receiving depth and need for playmakers on offense.

Brown's market value is at $14.8 million annually, per Spotrac. This amount is within a price range for Indy if they think Brown can help Richardson and make the offense more dynamic.

If the Colts fired away and put Brown with Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce, this could be a devastating receiver group that hits every part of the defense weekly. 

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