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The Indianapolis Colts have been fairly active in free agency. Chris Ballard has made eight outside additions, along with bringing back several of the Colts' own free agents, including Alec Pierce and Daniel Jones.
However, there are still roster holes that remain, particularly when it comes to the depth and experience at a number of position groups.
The good news is that the Colts have available cap space, but at this stage of free agency, it's not as if there is an abundance of high-impact talent still on the market. In the draft, the Colts are without a first-round pick and have only two in the top 100.
So what roster holes still have to be filled?
Without Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies is the most experienced player on the roster at this position, having played 244 career defensive snaps, 242 of which came in 2024.
The Colts don't just need a starting-caliber presence here; they need to make multiple additions.
A positive is that the Colts' starting five is already on the roster, assuming that Jalen Travis will take over for Braden Smith, who signed with Houston. But again, the Colts are short on experienced depth.
Outside of the starters, here are the other linemen on the Colts roster: Bill Murray, LaDarius Henderson, Jimmy Morrissey, Dalton Tucker, Josh Sills, Blake Freeland, and Bayron Matos.
Tucker has played just over 600 career snaps, Freeland has 724 snaps -- most of which came in 2023 -- and Morrissey has played 318, according to PFF.
Without Michael Pittman, Ashton Dulin is the next man up here. While he's provided a steady presence when called upon, there should be competition for those snaps.
Anthony Gould and Laquon Treadwell are the other receivers on the roster with some experience.
This isn't a pressing need by any means, but the only other running backs on the roster behind Taylor are DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley. Adding competition for that RB2 role wouldn't be a bad thing.
With Nick Cross now in Washington, the starting strong safety role is up for grabs. The Colts signed Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens, both of whom should have the opportunity to compete for those starting snaps. But will either seize control of that job opening and provide stability? That we don't know.
The Colts have added to the depth of this unit, signing Clemons and Arden Key. However, those additions addressed the Colts' rotational need at the position. Adding a high-end defensive end to pair with Laiatu Latu would be quite valuable.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: 6 roster holes Colts must still address
Continue reading...
However, there are still roster holes that remain, particularly when it comes to the depth and experience at a number of position groups.
The good news is that the Colts have available cap space, but at this stage of free agency, it's not as if there is an abundance of high-impact talent still on the market. In the draft, the Colts are without a first-round pick and have only two in the top 100.
So what roster holes still have to be filled?
What's the plan at linebacker?
Without Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies is the most experienced player on the roster at this position, having played 244 career defensive snaps, 242 of which came in 2024.
The Colts don't just need a starting-caliber presence here; they need to make multiple additions.
Don't forget about offensive line depth
A positive is that the Colts' starting five is already on the roster, assuming that Jalen Travis will take over for Braden Smith, who signed with Houston. But again, the Colts are short on experienced depth.
Outside of the starters, here are the other linemen on the Colts roster: Bill Murray, LaDarius Henderson, Jimmy Morrissey, Dalton Tucker, Josh Sills, Blake Freeland, and Bayron Matos.
Tucker has played just over 600 career snaps, Freeland has 724 snaps -- most of which came in 2023 -- and Morrissey has played 318, according to PFF.
What about wide receiver?
Without Michael Pittman, Ashton Dulin is the next man up here. While he's provided a steady presence when called upon, there should be competition for those snaps.
Anthony Gould and Laquon Treadwell are the other receivers on the roster with some experience.
Competition behind Jonathan Taylor
This isn't a pressing need by any means, but the only other running backs on the roster behind Taylor are DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley. Adding competition for that RB2 role wouldn't be a bad thing.
Do the Colts have their answer at safety?
With Nick Cross now in Washington, the starting strong safety role is up for grabs. The Colts signed Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens, both of whom should have the opportunity to compete for those starting snaps. But will either seize control of that job opening and provide stability? That we don't know.
Defensive end is still a need
The Colts have added to the depth of this unit, signing Clemons and Arden Key. However, those additions addressed the Colts' rotational need at the position. Adding a high-end defensive end to pair with Laiatu Latu would be quite valuable.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: 6 roster holes Colts must still address
Continue reading...
