Does Colts’ investment in their own free agents show team is ready to break out?

Ben Arthur

AFC South Reporter

You remember that iconic episode of “Oprah” several years ago when she gave everyone in the audience a car? 

In a way, that’s similar to how the Colts have treated their own players. 

New deals for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (three years, $70 million), linebacker Zaire Franklin (three years, $31.26 million), nickelback Kenny Moore II (three years, $30 million) and defensive tackle Grover Stewart (three years, $39 million) highlight the more than $170 million in contract value Indianapolis has awarded in-house free agents and extension-eligible players this offseason. The team has made just two outside free-agent signings: quarterback Joe Flacco and defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, both of whom will be backups. 

The Colts will have essentially the same core in 2024. 

“I’m encouraged in where we’re going,” general manager Chris Ballard said at his end-of-season press conference in January. 

Ballard has always been the type to reward homegrown talent, even those at non-premium positions (second contracts for running back Jonathan Taylor, linebacker Shaquille Leonard and left guard Quenton Nelson are among the most notable). But that precedent is as justified as ever this offseason. The Colts in 2023 won nine games with a rookie head coach (Shane Steichen) and their starting quarterback (Anthony Richardson) playing just 173 snaps, not to mention multi-game absences for a slew of their best players, including Taylor, Stewart and right tackle Braden Smith. 

Those are reasons for Indianapolis to believe it’s on the ascent, even with just two playoff appearances — one victory — in six seasons and counting with Ballard. 

Pittman is a trusted, No. 1 target to help Richardson continue develop. Franklin has broken the franchise tackle record in back-to-back seasons. Moore, who becomes one of the league’s highest-paid nickelbacks, is the best player in the Colts’ secondary. 

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Publish date : 2024-03-20 21:08:59

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