The 2024 season has just ended, and on March 14, the 2025 campaign will open its doors. Touchdown news therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of different franchises during the offseason. Which players keep and cut? Which free agents extend? What recruits observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. Today, close -up on the Indianapolis Colts. You will find the sheets of each team on this page.
17 victories – 17 defeats. Until then, Shane Steichen's assessment at the head of the Indianapolis Colts is average, there is no better definition. In a division that is not the best in the league, the colts undoubtedly missed a turn last season.
However, the owner Jim Irsay decides to continue with Chris Ballard as a general manager and Shane Steichen as the main coach. In a letter addressed to the supporters, he was frustrated, disappointed, but also impatient. He thus takes the risk of losing a year if the duo does not fulfill the objectives in terms of results. This season therefore appears to be decisive for the duo.
The development of an anthony Richardson under pressure will therefore be decisive. Around him, other players will have to bounce back after a globally disappointing 2024 season. So how can the colts get there?
The Tauliers of the Indianapolis Colts
1. Jonathan Taylor (RB)
2. Zaire Franklin (LB)
3. Quenton Nelson (OL)
Always further, always higher, always stronger. This motto of a famous television game can apply to Jonathan Taylor. Running back is the central point of the colt attack. A permanent threat with or without the ball. He shines thanks to the help of his offensive line, and in particular Quenton Nelson.
The Guard finds his superb, after the last two difficult seasons. One of the best paid players on the interior offensive line in the League is one of the leaders in the cottage cloakroom. Its presence is just as important on the ground, for the runners therefore, but also for the quarterback. Appointed in the 2nd All Pro team in 2024, he is still rewarded.
Finally, he too is appointed to the 2nd All Pro team in 2024, and this can be a surprise. But, looking closely at his performance on the field, this is anything but a surprise. Impressive in 2024 with the record of the season in number of tackles (136), Zaire Franklin became a leader. Regular, it will be one of the main relays of the new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
The undesirable
1. Samson Ebukam (Edge)
2. Braden Smith (OT)
3. Raekwon Davis (DT)
His season in 2023 at 9.5 Sacks is the culmination of his career at the moment. Following this, a new 2 -year contract to $ 8 million a year was given to him. However, Samson Ebukam is already 30 years old and lacked all 2024 season. Competition symbolized by young people (pay, laty) took the opportunity to progress. By seeing the progress of these young people, the colts could therefore separate from him. Cutting it would save $ 9 million on the payroll. Which is far from negligible.
On the lines, the experience is essential, but the case of Braden Smith is special. Taulier colts for many years on the offensive line, his injury and personal problems could encourage the front office to part with it. Especially since the financial argument (16 million dollars in addition to the wage bill) should not be overlooked.
Finally, like Samson Ebukam, he also took advantage of a beautiful individual season in 2023 to be rewarded at the 2024 off -season. Except that he is completely overshadowed by the development of Grover Stewart and no longer has the build of a holder . With the impressive cuvée of young Defensive Tackle of quality that arrives, the colts should separate from Raekwon Davis before the start of the 2025 season.
The summer man: Anthony Richardson (QB)
Since its draft in 2023, the quarterback is not unanimous after 2 seasons in NFL. However, his first season is promising, but he was stopped in his momentum. On the other hand, its second season is full of turbulence. The irregularity that has accompanied the young quarterback since its evaluation is always present. Therefore, one wonders if he still has a margin of progression to be holder in NFL.
At 22, the time is running out for Anthony Richardson. At this age, some are already knowing the games of the playoffs. He is still at a stage where he still has to learn. Its statistical production in 2024 is well below the standards for a quarterback. With only 47% of completed passes and 12 interceptions, the balance sheet is not good.
In addition to the balance sheet, printing on the field is far from convincing. He can sometimes shine on a few long passes, but still has a lot of deficiencies in his readings. His races are often lowered despite his power, and can exhaust him. Some supporters have notably criticized him when he declared that he had been tired after taking a long race, stressing a lack of professionalism.
Now everything is not based only on him. It is also Shane Steichen's work to make him progress. The duo will have to work if the colts can hope to be successful. The future of these two men in the league depends on it.
The main free agents of the Indianapolis Colts
1. Julian Blackmon (s)
2. Dayo Odeyingbo (Edge)
3. EJ Speed (LB)
4. Ryan Kelly (OL)
5. JOE FLACCO (QB)
But also: Mo Alie-Cox (Te), Kyler Ganson (Te), Trey Sermon (RB), Mark Glowinski (OL), Taven Bryan (DL), Will Fries (OL), Ashton Dulin (WR), Sam Ehlinger ( Qb), Ronnie Harrison (s), David Long (CB)
Julian Blackmon and to a lesser extent Ryan Kelly must be the priority players to extend. Must the Tag franchise On Dayo Odeyingbo can be a possibility, but he disappointed in 2024 (only 3 sacks). EJ Speed is a good linebacker, but the colts should not make the effort to hold it back. And he will especially try to earn much more money elsewhere.
Anthony Richardson (or rather the offensive staff) also has another problem. He no longer has a lining. Joe Flacco and Sam Ehlinger are at the end of the contract, and there is little chance of seeing them again under the colt tunic in 2025.
The top 5 needs of the Indianapolis Colts
1. corner
2. Safety
3. Defensive Tackle
4. Tight End
5. Quarterback
The new coordinator Lou Anarumo will have work to improve defense. Despite the presence of Zaire Franklin, this team has too many defensive holes and does not have someone able to make impact games. The pair of Cornerback Jaylon Jones – Juju Brents is too tender in the face of recipients like Nico Collins (Texans) or Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars). A profile that can stop this type of recipient is expected. In general, it is even all the air coverage that we will have to renew. Floor defense is also a weak point. Deforest Buckner is not eternal, and someone will have to do his side to stop the game on the ground.
Pittman Jr., Pierce, Downs and Mitchell have one thing in common, they are all recipients. On the other hand, the one who is a specialist in the slot is the smallest (Downs). So you have to find someone bigger since this position capable of relieving Anthony Richardson. Besides, for the latter, a lining becomes a necessity. General manager Chris Ballard says it himself, you have to have competition in this position.
The target: Byron Murphy (CB)
The cornerback market promises during the next free agency. Among the players in this position, Byron Murphy represents a recruit of choice for any team lacking a number 1 cornerback.
That's good, the Indianapolis Colts need this type of profile capable of intercepting and being a jar of glue for receivers. In 2024, the Vikings cornerback made a monstrous season (6 interceptions).
Succeeding his bet after beautiful seasons in the cardinals, he should receive more than $ 15 million a year. The Indianapolis franchise has this money, and should invest it on an experienced player like him.
In addition, Byron Murphy is only 27 years old. His best years of football are undoubtedly ahead of him. One more argument not to be overlooked to try a bet which seems without risk.
New blood: Tyler Warren (Te, Penn State)
The Tight End cuvée is promising draft. Investing a first round on it is always a risk, but 2025 can be a paid investment. A do everything from Penn State, Tyler Warren already has the fundamentals for the NFL.
The player can be the long -awaited security valve to advance Anthony Richardson. He has reliable hands, in addition to being honorable in yards after reception. In addition, he knows how to block and has determination when he is on a football field.
A player like that is rare, and the colts would be well inspired not to let him pass. In any case, it has the qualities necessary to be in the footsteps of Brock Bowers.
Other choices: Colston Loveland (Te, Michigan), Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan), Will Johnson (CB, Michigan), Malaki Starks (S, Georgia), Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
