What offseason moves should the Indianapolis Colts make? Last offseason, the Colts went the “run it back” route, re-signing several players like Michael Pittman Jr. and Kenny Moore II. Backups Joe Flacco and Raekwon Davis were the only outside free agents the team signed.
The moves didn’t pay off as Colts general manager Chris Ballard had hoped. The team finished the 2024 season with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs.
Perhaps Ballard will change his approach and be more aggressive this offseason. The Colts are expected to sign someone who’ll compete with quarterback Anthony Richardson. Who will that be? While they could take a quarterback fresh out of college, they likely won’t find much competition in the draft. Who should they select in the first round of the draft? Here are two offseason moves the Colts should make.
Two Offseason Moves the Indianapolis Colts Need to Make
Sign Free Agent Justin Fields
The Colts thought they were getting a franchise quarterback when they drafted Richardson fourth overall in 2023. But that hasn’t been the case so far. He has battled injuries, was benched temporarily and even tapped out of a game because he was tired. Richardson is only 22 years old, though, and he could still develop into a star. But after two seasons, he’s far from being considered an elite quarterback.
Again, the Colts are expected to bring in competition for Richardson this offseason. That quarterback is supposed to push him to be a better player. Justin Fields would be an ideal pickup after he started six games in 2024. The Pittsburgh Steelers posted a 4-2 record during that span.
Fields, who’s set to be a free agent, could give Richardson that much-needed push. He could win the starting job or fill in if Richardson suffers an injury.
If Richardson doesn’t improve vastly this offseason, it’s possible Fields could step in and become the Colts’ long-term answer. He’s an exciting dual quarterback, who’s ready to prove he can be a permanent NFL starter.
Draft Tight End Tyler Warren (14th Overall)
In 2024, the Colts had five tight ends on the roster: Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory and Jelani Woods. Unfortunately, none of the guys made an impact. Woods could be an impact player, but he’s missed the past two seasons due to injury. Last season, the four tight ends who did play combined for only 39 catches, 467 yards and two touchdowns. Needless to say, the Colts desperately need a tight end.
The Colts hold the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Penn State’s Tyler Warren would be the perfect selection for the team. The 6-6, 257-pounder is coming off a monster 2024 campaign. Warren caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. He also won the John Mackey Award, which is given annually to college football’s most outstanding tight end.
Anthony Richardson has struggled as a passer so far in his career. He competed just 47.7 percent of his passes last season. Having a playmaking tight end like Warren to throw to could make life much easier for the Florida product.
Main Photo Courtesy of Tommy Gilligan – Imagn Images
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