PFF Predicts Colts to Land Top 20 Free Agent

Pro Football Focus thinks new Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen can land a key offensive weapon in free agency.

The Indianapolis Colts have already begun an offseason of big changes with the hiring of new head coach Shane Steichen. The former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator could get a key weapon in free agency if Pro Football Focus (PFF) predicts correctly.

Arjun Menon and Brad Spielberger analyzed the best landing spots for PFF's top-50 free agents, and they have tight end Dalton Schultz of the Dallas Cowboys headed to Indianapolis. 

Schultz checks in at No. 20 on PFF's list of top free agents. 

Schultz may ultimately stay in Dallas after being a consummate professional following a franchise tag and once again having a very productive season, especially once quarterback Dak Prescott returned from injury. New Colts head coach Shane Steichen comes from the Philadelphia Eagles, where quality tight end production has always been a priority, with Dallas Goedert a similarly good blocker and receiving threat like Schultz. 

Schultz’s 71.6 run-blocking grade over the past three seasons ranks 12th among tight ends, and he was in the top 10 at the position in receiving yards, yards after contact, touchdowns and receptions. He’ll be a reliable third-down and red-zone target for whichever quarterback is under center for Indianapolis going forward. -- Arjun Menon and Brad Spielberger, PFF

The Colts haven't gotten a lot of production from the tight end position the last few years. They spent a third-round pick on Jelani Woods in the draft last year. He showed flashes but still finished with just over 300 yards receiving. 

Mo Alie-Cox led the Colts' tight ends in receiving in 2020 and 2021, but he failed to crack 400 yards in either season.

Schultz has three-straight seasons of better than 550 yards including career-highs 78 catches for 808 yards in 2021. 

He turns 27 in July and is entering the prime of his career.

His ability as a blocker would be a plus to the Colts who are looking to get their running game back on track after a subpar-2022 season.

Schultz played on the franchise tag in 2022, paying him $10.9 million according to Spotrac. 

Getting him from the Cowboys in free agency could cost the Colts $12-million per season or more, but it might be worth it to improve the running game and provide a security blanket for a rookie quarterback.