Indianapolis Colts 2024 NFL offseason primer: All about building around Anthony Richardson
Indianapolis' 2023 season: 9-8, missed playoffs
Overview: The Colts lost rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson to a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 yet remained competitive throughout the regular season thanks in part to the steady play of backup Gardner Minshew. They fell short of the postseason when they lost a Week 18 game to the Houston Texans in what amounted to a playoff game. And Minshew is now off to the Raiders in free agency.
The offseason will be all about building around Richardson with the hope that he'll be healthy and return on the investment Indianapolis made in him with the No. 4 pick in last year's draft. Few in football have the physical upside of Richardson. Getting the right players around him to help meet that potential is priority No. 1.
Key free agents
WR Michael Pittman Jr. (re-signed)
CB Kenny Moore (re-signed)
DT Taven Bryan
RB Zack Moss
S Julian Blackmon
Who's in/out: Pittman got a hefty extension to the tune of a reported three years and $70 million. That's good news for Richardson, who keeps his No. 1 weapon. The team is also keeping defensive tackle Grover Stewart on a three-year deal.
To make up for the loss of Minshew, the team addressed the backup QB spot with veteran Joe Flacco on a reported one-year deal. With Richardson's health a potential factor, that is critical for the Colts.
The Colts were wise to do their best to bring Moore back to a secondary that needs help. He got a three-year, $30 million extension, per NFL Network.
Meanwhile Moss is going to the Bengals on a reported two-year, $8 million deal.
Key free-agent needs
Backup QB
Wide receiver
Safety
Cornerback
Defensive line/run stoppers
Why the holes? Even with Pittman's return, the Colts could add wide receiver depth to a room that already includes promising second-year receiver Josh Downs. The more weapons the better here. The defense got a win with the re-signing of Moore, an experienced cornerback. So will upgrading a defensive line on a unit that ranked 24th against the run. Indy re-signed Grover Stewart to a three-year deal and acquired via free agency Zaire Franklin on a three-year, $31 million deal, per NFL Network.
Do they have the money?
Yes. Per Spotrac, the Colts have $32.5 million in salary-cap space. They'll have plenty of flexibility to secure playmakers around Richardson and upgrade their defense.
Potential notable cuts
DT DeForest Buckner
TE Mo Alie-Cox
Why they might be gone: Buckner continues to play at a high level. He tallied eight sacks en route to Pro Bowl honors last season. He's also approaching 30 years old and carries a $22.8 million cap hit in 2024. Alie-Cox is a backup tight end carrying the team's eighth-highest cap hit at $5.9 million.
2023 NFLPA report card
Draft picks
1st round: No. 15
2nd round: No. 46
3rd round: No. 82
4th round: No. 116
5th round: No. 150
6th round: No. 190
7th round: No. 234
Good draft fit
Iowa CB Cooper DeJean
Why him? DeJean has the skill and athleticism to excel in coverage in the NFL. He'll potentially be available when the Colts pick and fits a clear need. The Colts would be pleased to find DeJean at pick No. 15.
What can move the fantasy football needle this offseason?
The Colts averaged more points per game than the Super Bowl champion Chiefs in 2023 despite losing Anthony Richardson in Week 5. Shane Steichen can clearly run an offense (the Eagles took a big step back this year without him), and fantasy managers love his fast pace. Michael Pittman Jr. finished top-10 in targets last season. Jonathan Taylor is set to act as Indianapolis’ workhorse in 2024 and is worth a top-12 overall pick. Richardson is reportedly ahead of schedule and already throwing, and he should be drafted as a top-five QB after leading the league in fantasy points per dropback by a mile during his rookie campaign. — Dalton Del Don
