Indianapolis Colts Free Agents: Will Team Re-Sign Reggie Wayne, Try to Sign Dallas Cowboys Dez Bryant?
The Indianapolis Colts are expected to have one of the biggest offseasons in the National Football League.
With $37.8 million in salary cap space, the Colts have the sixth-highest amount of money to spend this offseason behind only the Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans.
Unlike those teams, Indianapolis is a playoff quality squad. Andrew Luck is one of the best young quarterbacks in the game today, and it's critical for general manager Ryan Grigson to make some moves.
Before the Colts make additions, they first have to examine the players on their roster who are scheduled to become free agents. The most notable name is Reggie Wayne, who has spent his entire Hall of Fame-level career with the Colts ever since being drafted by them in 2001. He may be past his prime at 36 years old, but he's still a great leader and teammate. Wayne had 779 receiving yards last season.
Hakeem Nicks is another notable wide receiver who has an expiring contract. Nicks had a great stint with the New York Giants, but last season was a bit of a disappointment for the young receiver with a career low 38 catches and 405 yards.
There's a good chance that both Nicks and Wayne will get re-signed, but the Colts may even have a chance at Dez Bryant in the future. Dallas Cowboys general manager Jerry Jones hasn't been able to reach a new long-term contract with the superstar wide out. Odds are the Cowboys will use the franchise tag on Bryant this offseason, but many NFL fans believe Bryant could choose the Colts in the future. Tony Romo is a great quarterback, but Luck is nine years younger and the Colts have a great history of successful receivers. The Colts also have more money to spend and play in a worse division.
The Colts also have a hole to fill at the running back position. Luck is throwing the ball far too much which has resulted in a one dimensional offense, turnovers and playoff losses. Ahmad Bradshaw may choose to sign elsewhere so the Colts have to consider all options. Some noteworthy free agent running backs include Frank Gore, DeMarco Murray, Knowshon Moreno, Justin Forsett and Shane Vereen.
As far as defense, the Colts aren't a bad defensive team, but they could use some help on that side of the ball. The Colts may choose to re-sign Cory Redding, but that still remains a mystery. Some great defensive players the Colts may keep on an eye include Justin Houston, Ndamukong Suh, B.J. Raji, Nick Fairley and Jason Pierre-Paul.
Colts 2015 Free Agents
1. Reggie Wayne
2. Cory Redding
3. Hakeem Nicks
4. Matt Hasselbeck
5. Darius Butler
6. Fili Moala
7. Joe Reitz
8. Josh Gordy
9. Sergio Brown
10. Andy Studebaker
11. Colt Anderson
12. Mike Adams
13. Jerrell Freeman (restricted)
14. Matt Overton (restricted)
15. AQ. Shipley (restricted)
16. Delano Howell (restricted)
17. Dan Herron (restricted)
18. Josh McNary
19. Cam Johnson
20. Ahmad Bradshaw
21. Shaun Phillips
22. Jeris Pendleton
23. Daniel Adongo (exclusive rights)
24. Joshua Cribbs
25. Chris Rucker
26. Cameron Chism (restricted)
27. Matt Merletti (restricted)
28. Antonio Fenelus (restricted)
The NFL free agent and trading period begins on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m. EST.
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