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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.
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.
(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Key free agents
WR Michael Pittman Jr.
QB Gardner Minshew
CB Kenny Moore
DT Taven Bryan
RB Zack Moss
S Julian Blackmon
DT Grover Stewart
Who’s in/out: Whether via a new deal or under the franchise tag, Pittman projects to play in Indianapolis next season. The Colts have stated their desire to bring back their No. 1 receiver, who’s thrived through four NFL seasons despite the absence of steady quarterback play. This is Richardson’s No. 1 weapon.
Everyone else here is secondary, but the Colts would be wise to do their best to bring Moore back to a secondary that needs help. Minshew proved his value once again, but will demand more than his discount rate of $3.5 million from last season.
Key free agent needs
Backup QB
Wide receiver
Safety
Cornerback
Defensive line/run stoppers
Why the holes? Even with Pittman’s expected return, the Colts could opt to add wide receiver depth to a room that already includes promising second-year receiver Josh Downs. The more weapons the better here. On defense, a secondary that struggled in 2024 could lose its most experienced cornerback in Moore. Finding help at cornerback and safety will be a priority. So will upgrading a defensive line on a unit that ranked 24th against the run and could lose Stewart.
Priority…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/indianapolis-colts-2024-nfl-offseason-primer-all-about-building-around-anthony-richardson-013214649.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-02-23 01:32:14
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