Regardless of dropping rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson in Week 4, the Indianapolis Colts rallied round backup Gardner Minshew and almost snuck into the playoffs. With a wholesome Richardson heading into a brand new season, Indy’s purpose must be surrounding the 21-year-old QB with as a lot expertise as attainable.
Listed here are three strikes the Colts ought to make that might assist push them over the sting into playoff contender standing.
TRADE: 2024 fifth-round decide to Buffalo Payments for TE Dawson Knox
Although he missed some video games in 2023, Knox remains to be a priceless tight finish in the best surroundings. The 27-year-old was handed by 2023 first-round decide Dalton Kincaid because the Payments’ high tight finish, however a change of surroundings could be simply what he must get again on observe.
The Colts want a real No. 1 safety blanket tight finish for Richardson to depend on, much like how Peyton Manning had Dallas Clark or Andrew Luck had Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron. Knox was focused 50 or extra occasions in three of his first 5 seasons, and he totaled 500 yards or extra twice whereas scoring 22 touchdowns. Pairing him with working again Jonathan Taylor plus receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce would give Richardson a robust complement of weapons.
CUT: TE Mo Alie-Cox
Alie-Cox has been in Indianapolis for six years, and he’s by no means had greater than 31 receptions or 394 yards in any of these seasons. He’s performed in almost each sport since 2019, but he’s been outplayed by the likes of Kylen Granson, Will Mallory and Jelani Woods. Parting methods with the 30-year-old TE would save Indy almost $6 million and unencumber a roster spot for an additional, extra achieved tight finish to switch him.
SIGNING: DT Chris Jones
With $73.9M in cap area (fifth-most within the NFL), the Colts have money to burn and an enormous want at defensive deal with. Jones had a wonderful yr with the Chiefs in 2023, however they’ve just below $10M in cap area and sure can’t afford to maintain Jones and pay him the cash he needs with out having to intestine their roster. Conversely, the Colts have the funds out there to pay him within the Quinnen Williams ($24M per yr), Jeffery Simmons ($23.5M per yr) and Daron Payne ($22.5M per yr) vary.
Indy wants assist alongside the defensive entrance, particularly at defensive deal with. Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye are strong edge rushers, and DeForest Buckner is a good DT in his personal proper, however Jones is elite. We’re speaking top-four or 5 at his place. Pairing him and Buckner with defensive ends like Ebukam, Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis would give the Colts the highest defensive position of their division and arguably the AFC.
