Still, the Eagles aren’t perfect. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder listed one of the Eagles’ biggest weaknesses headed into the final stretch of the season as linebacker — right behind finding a third wide receiver — with not a lot of solutions available following the NFL trade deadline.

There is one solution for providing linebacker depth that the Eagles can pull off that’s a familiar face that would make for a smooth transition — signing veteran free agent linebacker and 4-time NFL All-Pro Shaquille Leonard.

It would be the second season in a row the Eagles have brought Leonard in as a late-season fix after he signed with the team in Week 14 during the 2023 season.

Leonard Seemed Like HOFer at Start of Career

Leonard — who went by Darius Leonard for the first part of his career — was one of the NFL’s elite linebackers from 2018 to 2021 after the Indianapolis Colts drafted him in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft out of South Carolina State.

Leonard was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and made four consecutive NFL All-Pro Teams from 2018 to 2021 and three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2021. He led the NFL with 163 tackles in 2018 and led the NFL with 8 forced fumbles in 2021.

That run culminated in the Colts signing Leonard to one of the richest contracts in NFL history with a 5-year, $98.5 million contract extension he signed before the 2021 season.

He only played four games in 2022 due to injuries and underwent back surgery before the 2023 season but had a slow recuperation and a concussion, along with a broken nose, saw his playing time limited when he returned. He was waived by the Colts in November 2023. Leonard signed with the Eagles shortly after.

Leonard’s Career Could Be Over With No Takers

Leonard has acknowledged that his NFL career might be over if he doesn’t find a team to sign with in 2024 — it would be one of the more stunning drop offs for a defensive player in league history due to a decline in on-field play.

In 2023, Leonard played 9 games for the Colts and 5 games for the Eagles, making 3 starts in Philadelphia and finishing with 23 tackles, 2 TFL and 1.0 sack.

The Eagles currently have Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean listed as starters at the 2 inside linebacker spots. Baun (87 tackles) and Dean (66 tackles) are the 2 leading tacklers for the Eagles. Philadelphia is also second in the NFL in team defense.

“I’m moreso just sitting back, getting the body healthy, and whenever the opportunity presents itself, we’ll give it a try,” Leonard told The Indianapolis Star in June 2024. “I just continue to be me by working hard. If it happens, it happens. If it don’t, it don’t. I think throughout my career I’ve had a great career, even if I do step away from it. … I’m enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity.”

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From the days of Johnny Unitas to the modern era of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, the Colts have often been defined by their elite QB play. Indianapolis has won two Super Bowls (one in 1971 and another after the 2006 season), and while the team has had several greats walk through its doors who have left without a championship ring, Indy has also had multiple signal-callers lead the team from obscurity to postseason glory.

We took a crack at naming the best and most influential QBs throughout the Colts’ entire history, which wasn’t easy, as they’ve had some incredible talents. Our selections are below, ranked 10 to No. 1. Scroll down to see who we chose!

*Note: All awards and stats listed below are from each player’s tenure with the Colts only. All stats/awards are from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise stated.

10. Philip Rivers

GettyPhilip Rivers had a great 2020 season with the Indianapolis Colts.

• Years as a Colt: 2020
• Iconic performance: Week 6 of the 2020 regular season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, Rivers out-dueled Joe Burrow, throwing for 371 yards and 3 TDs in the Colts’ 31-27 win.

Quarterback Philip Rivers spent just one season in Indianapolis, but it was a successful one. In what would be his final NFL season, Rivers went 11-5 as a starter and took the Colts to the playoffs. Indy lost to the Buffalo Bills, but that shouldn’t take away from what was one of heck of a swan song from Rivers. He played all 16 games, completing 68% of his passes (369 completions on 543 attempts) for 4,169 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of 97.0. He averaged 260.6 passing yards per game, which is excellent. We think he did just enough to crack the top 10.

9. Jeff George

GettyEx-Colts quarterback Jeff George.

• Years as a Colt: 1990-1993
• Iconic performance: November 25, 1990, against the Bengals, George threw for 251 yards and 3 TDs in a 34-20 victory.

This is a pick that could get a little heat, but we’re OK with it. During his four seasons with the Colts, Jeff George threw for 9,551 yards and 41 touchdowns. While these numbers aren’t elite by today’s standards, they were respectable for his time. His 9,551 yards puts him ahead of several Colts QBs in terms of total passing yards (he’s 6th on Indy’s all-time list). Despite not living up to his potential with the Colts (he was selected first overall in 1990), his acquisition had significant ripple effects, including the eventual drafting of Marvin Harrison, one of the franchise’s all-time greats, so it all worked out in the end.

8. Jacoby Brissett

GettyEx-Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

• Years as a Colt: 2017-2020
• Iconic performance: On October 20, 2019, Brissett threw for 326 yards and 4 TDs in Indy’s 30-23 win over the Houston Texans.

After serving as a backup to Andrew Luck (more on him in a bit), Jacoby Brissett was thrust into the full-time role of starter after Luck’s sudden retirement just ahead of the 2019 regular season. His steady presence that turbulent time made him a valuable asset for the Colts, as he consistently displayed a combination of adaptability and resilience. Brissett threw for over 6,000 passing yards and 31 touchdowns during his time with the team, also rushing for 12 scores. He also earned the respect of his teammates and coaching staff with his strong work ethic, leadership and professionalism, so we think he’s worthy of the No. 8 slot.

7. Jack Trudeau

GettyEx-Colts quarterback Jack Trudeau.

• Years as a Colt: 1986-1993
• Iconic performance: December 17, 1989, against Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins, Trudeau threw for 195 yards and 4 TDs in the Colts’ 42-13 win.

Jack Trudeau’s tenure with the Colts was largely defined by his role as a transitional quarterback. While he showed resilience and competence at times, his career was plagued by a high number of interceptions and an overall lack of offensive firepower from the Colts during this period. Still, his 9,647 passing yards is currently ranked 5th all time, and his 41 TD passes is No. 7 on the list, and he led the team to a division title in 1987 during a strike-shortened season.

6. Earl Morrall

Wikimedia CommonsFormer Colts QB Earl Morrall in 1965.

• Years as a Colt: 1968-1971
• Championships & awards:
  • NFL Champion (1968)
  • Super Bowl Champion (1970)
  • NFL MVP (1968)
  • NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1972)
  • Pro Bowl selection (1968)
• Iconic performance: October 6, 1968, Morrall threw for 302 yards and 4 TDs in the Colts’ 28-7 win over the Chicago Bears.

From being an MVP-caliber starter to a reliable backup, Earl Morrall’s legacy with the Colts remains an essential part of the franchise’s history. Filling in for an injured Johnny Unitas in 1968, he led the Colts to a league-best 13-1 record in the regular season, taking them all the way to the Super Bowl. They lost to the New York Jets, but Morrall got another opportunity a few years later. In Super Bowl 5, Unitas was injured again, Morrall stepped in, leading Indy to a 16-13 victory, cementing the Colts’ first Super Bowl win.

5. Jim Harbaugh

GettyEx-Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh.

• Years as a Colt: 1994-1997
• Championships & awards:
  • Pro Bowl selection (1995)
• Iconic performance: Week 5 on the road against the Dolphins, Harbaugh went 25-33 for 319 yards and 3 TDs, bringing the team back from a 21-point deficit to win 27-24 in overtime.

When you evaluate Jim Harbaugh’s legacy with the Colts, it’s clear that his impact goes beyond just numbers. He brought the franchise out of obscurity, nearly led them to a Super Bowl, and played some of the best football of his career in Indianapolis. Harbaugh’s most iconic season with the Colts was 1995, when he led the team to the AFC Championship Game, only narrowly losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 20-16 thriller. Harbaugh earned the nickname “Captain Comeback” that season for his ability to orchestrate comeback victories in dramatic fashion. He came in at a time when the team desperately needed a leader, and he delivered.

4. Bert Jones

Wikimedia CommonsBert Jones.

• Years as a Colt: 1973-1981
• Championships & awards:
  • NFL MVP (1976)
  • AFC Offensive Player of the Year (1976)
  • First-team All-Pro (1976)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1977)
  • Pro Bowl selection (1976)
• Iconic performance: October 9, 1977, Jones tossed a career-high 4 TDs in a 45-28 win over the Dolphins.

Few Colts QBs have ever had seasons like Bert Jones had in 1976. He won the NFL MVP and the AFC Offensive Player of the Year awards, throwing for 3,104 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Jones also led the Colts to an 11-3 record that year, winning an AFC East title in the process. Known for his deep ball accuracy and athleticism, which allowed him to extend plays outside the pocket, Jones took the Colts to the playoffs three straight years (1975-1977), although he never won in the postseason. His 122 TD passes are 4th in team history, and his 17,663 passing yards is also 4th.

3. Andrew Luck

GettyEx-Colts QB Andrew Luck.

• Years as a Colt: 2012-2018
• Championships & awards:
  • NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2018)
  • 4-time Pro Bowl selection (2012–2014, 2018)
• Iconic performance: November 4, 2012, his rookie season against Miami, Luck set a rookie record at the time with 433 passing yards and 2 TDs in a 23-20 Colts win.

The first pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, Andrew Luck made an immediate impact. He took the Colts to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, winning the AFC South twice (2013, 2014) and advancing to the AFC Championship Game in 2014, ultimately losing to the New England Patriots. Luck led the league in touchdown passes in 2014 with 40, and he also set several NFL records, including most passing yards by a rookie in a single game (433). He threw for 23,671 yards and 171 TDs as a Colt. And he’s only No. 3…

2. Johnny Unitas

GettyFormer Colts QB Johnny Unitas.

• Years as a Colt: 1956-1972
• Championships & awards:
  • 3-time NFL Champion (1958, 1959, 1968)
  • Super Bowl Champion (1970)
  • 3-time NFL MVP (1959, 1964, 1967)
  • NFL Man of the Year (1970)
  • 5-time first-team All-Pro (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965, 1967)
  • 3-time second-team All-Pro (1957, 1960, 1963)
  • 10-time Pro Bowl selection (1957–1964, 1966, 1967)
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Iconic performance: In the 1958 NFL Championship game, the Colts, led by Unitas, defeated the New York Giants 23-17 in overtime. This game is often called the “Greatest Game Ever Played” and is credited with catapulting the NFL into the national spotlight.

Johnny Unitas is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and the best player in the history of the franchise. A revolutionary at the position, Unitas helped make the passing game a focal point of modern football. His leadership on the field, combined with his ability to make split-second decisions, set a new standard for quarterbacks. Unitas was injured during the team’s Super Bowl 5 win, and he still threw a TD in the game. He finished his career with 40,239 passing yards and 290 TD passes, which ranked No. 1 all-time in league at the time of his retirement.

1. Peyton Manning

GettyEx-Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

• Years as a Colt: 1998-2010
• Championships & awards:
  • Super Bowl Champion (2006)
  • Super Bowl MVP (2006)
  • 4-time NFL MVP (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2004)
  • 5-time First-Team All-Pro (2003-2005, 2008-2009)
  • 3-time second-team All-Pro (1999-2000, 2006)
  • 11-time Pro Bowl selection (1999-2000, 2002-2010)
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Iconic performance: January 4, 2004, in his first-ever playoff win, Manning threw for 377 yards and 5 TDs in a 41-10 trouncing of the Denver Broncos.

Peyton Manning’s impact on the Colts franchise was transformative, helping turn the team into perennial contenders and elevating them to their first Super Bowl win. With Manning leading the way, the Colts reached the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons (2002-2010), and he also led them to two Super Bowl appearances (2006 and 2009). He still holds several major team passing records, including most passing yards (54,828), TD passes (399) and wins (141). But it goes way beyond stats with Manning. His skill in pre-snap adjustments, audibles, and reading defenses revolutionized the position, and he remains a candidate for greatest quarterback in NFL history.

Check out our 11th player who just missed the list, and sound off in the comments!

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Daniels’ start to the season has been nothing short of historic, and it’s put his name alongside some of the greatest individual performances — and quarterbacks — in NFL history at this point in the year.

“Seven-time Super Bowl champion (Tom) Brady boasted the highest completion percentage after four games, from a minimum 75 pass attempts, in NFL history,” Heavy.com’s James Dudko wrote on Sept. 29. “At least he did until Daniels completed 26 of 30 passes during the Commanders’ 42-14 blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium … The impressive stat line gave Daniels a superior completion percentage to the mark Brady set for the 18-1 New England Patriots back in 2007, per ESPN’s SportsCenter.”

While Daniels may have broken Brady’s record, it’s another quarterback from the recent past who his play is being compared to the most — 5-time NFL Most Valuable Player and 2-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning.

“I mean, listen, the guy, he’s been compared to Peyton Manning, Jayden Daniels is, and that offense is being compared to (the 2007 Patriots) with like two points per drive or whatever it ends up being,” Sal Iacono said on The Bill Simmons Podcast following the win over the Cardinals. “It’s just insanity, what we’re seeing out of that.”

Iacono — better known as Cousin Sal — wasn’t the only one to name-check Manning after the win.

“I think the key here is that what we’re seeing out of Jayden Daniels is the real thing,” Kevin Clark said on the This is Football With Kevin Clark on Sept. 30. “This is him and he’s arrived and you can’t do this unless you’re great … what (Patrick) Mahomes was great at the first year he was a starter was he pushed the ball down the field without making mistakes. It’s very hard to do that.

“… Peyton Manning obviously was the king of it,  certainly mid-career. But that’s what Jayden Daniels is doing. That’s not a fluke.”

Daniels, Manning Both Came From SEC Programs

One thing Daniels and Manning had in common headed into the NFL is they both came from SEC powerhouse programs. Daniels was the No. 2 overall pick out of LSU in the 2024 NFL draft and Manning was the No. 1 overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts out of Tennessee in the 1998 NFL draft.

While Manning set the NFL record for most passing touchdowns as a rookie (26) and led the NFL in pass attempts (575), he also led the NFL and set the rookie record in interceptions (28) as the Colts stumbled to a 3-13 record — the exact number of wins the Commanders have with one month of Daniels as the starting quarterback.

Manning and the Colts bounced back to go 13-3 in 1999 and he only had 2 losing records in 18 seasons as an NFL quarterback.

Commanders Have Favorable Schedule Coming Up

Of their next 5 games, only a trip to face the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 13 looks like a test for the Commanders right now, with 3 home games against the Cleveland Browns (Oct. 6), Carolina Panthers (Oct. 20), the Chicago Bears and 2024 No. 1. overall pick Caleb Williams Oct. 27) and a road game at the New York Giants (Nov. 3).

The Commanders haven’t finished the season with a winning record since 2015 and haven’t won a playoff game since 2005.

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They could, however, come close enough that Forbes might not be a total sunk cost.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder proposed that the Indianapolis Colts should make a move to obtain the embattled (and now injured) Forbes via trade and give the 2023 1st round pick (No. 16 overall) a fresh start to his career.

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According to SI.com’s Jake Arthur, Downs suffered the injury during training camp practice on Wednesday, August 7, after a tackle by safety Nick Cross during 7-on-7 drills.

ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder reported that it appears to be an ankle injury. Arthur added that multiple teammates, including Anthony Richardson and Michael Pittman Jr., went into the medical tent to check on Downs.

Kevin Bowen, of Indianapolis’ 1075 The Fan, tweeted after the play that head coach Shane Steichen was “not happy with Nick Cross taking Josh Downs to the ground.” He noted that Downs “was hardly putting any weight on his leg.”

As of midday on August 7, there had been no update on the extent of the injury.

Josh Downs’ Promising Start to His NFL Career

For such a small wide receiver — he’s listed at 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds — Downs wasn’t expected to have a huge impact at the NFL level. So far, he’s proved skeptics wrong. In 2023, he played in all 17 games, catching 68 passes for 771 yards and 2 touchdowns.

This season was supposed to be a breakout year for Downs, who had been shining early on in training camp. If Downs’ injury is considered serious, it could be a major setback for him and the Colts offense.

Downs, a third-round pick in 2023 out of North Carolina, was a back-to-back first-team All-ACC selection for the Tar Heels with two straight seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards.

Downs was the No. 2 receiver on the Colts’ depth chart, behind Pittman.

In June, Colts Wire’s Paul Bretl wrote that the chemistry between Downs and quarterback Anthony Richardson was “undeniable.”

Who Will Step Up in Josh Downs’ Absence?

Without Downs, the Colts will be missing a key component of their offense. Specifically, they’ll be without their dynamic slot receiver.

Pittman will continue to be the primary target for the Colts on the outside. He’s coming off a career-best season with 109 catches for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns. However, it’s unlikely that the Colts will be able to ramp up Pittman’s targets even further with Downs potentially out for an extended period.

Expect a pair of rookies to be forced to step up in Downs’ absence. Former Texas Longhorns receiver AD Mitchell is expected to play on the outside, but his explosiveness and deep-ball tracking should make him an appealing option in the Colts offense.

Meanwhile, fellow rookie Anthony Gould could end up taking over some responsibilities in the slot. A fifth-round pick out of Oregon State, Gould has thrived in the slot with smooth acceleration and good pace to his routes. However, like Downs, Gould is a much smaller receiver at 5-foot-8 and 174 pounds.

It won’t be easy for Steichen to replace Downs’ production if he ends up having a long-term injury. Fortunately for the Colts, they still have about a month before the start of the regular season, so there’s still hope that Downs will be ready by Week 1.

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Samson Ebukam will miss the 2024 season after suffering a torn Achilles in training camp, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The Athletic’s James Boyd noted that the team initially thought Ebukam had a calf injury when he went down on July 28. Instead, he’ll begin the long rehab process in hopes of being ready for 2025.

Samson Ebukam’s Football Career

It’s been a long journey for Ebukam. But considering where he came from, it’s an incredible story.

Born in Nigeria, Ebukam moved to the United States at 9 years old. He started to show football potential in high school, but received scholarship offers from only Eastern Washington and Portland State.

Ebukam took the Eastern Washington offer and became an FCS star. He was a three-time All-Big Sky selection and an FCS All-American in his final college season. In 38 games, he racked up 44 tackles for loss and 24 sacks.

That breakout FCS career helped Ebukam get taken in the fourth round of the 2017 draft. The Los Angeles Rams took a flier on him, and he became a consistent contributor on defense. He spent three seasons with them before playing the next two years for the San Francisco 49ers.

However, it wasn’t until he arrived in Indianapolis that Ebukam had a career year. The Colts gave him a three-year, $24 million deal before the 2023 season. He lived up to that deal by posting a career high 9.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Expectations were high for Ebukam to post his first season with double-digit sacks in 2024. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait at least one more year as he recovers from a torn Achilles.

Who Will Replace Ebukam?

Ebukam’s injury is a huge blow to the Colts defense. However, there are other defensive ends on the roster who will now have the opportunity to step up.

Kwity Paye is a former first-round pick hoping to have a breakout year. He had a career-high 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles this past season. He’s slowly but surely improved his sack numbers in each of his three NFL seasons. If that trend continues, Paye could reach double-digit sacks this season.

The Colts also took another pass rusher in the first round of this year’s draft in UCLA star Laiatu Latu. Prior to his time with the Bruins, Latu had been forced to medically retire by the Washington Huskies. He went on to become a consensus All-American in 2023, finishing the season with 21.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.

Latu will have to play a key role with Ebukam headed to injured reserve, according to Colts Wire’s Paul Bretl.

“After the draft, GM Chris Ballard called Latu a ‘polished’ pass rusher and believes that, with his pass rush repertoire and intelligence, he can make some noise sooner rather than later in his rookie year,” Bretl wrote on July 29.

If Latu takes longer than expected to get up to speed, look for other players like Tyquan Lewis and Dayo Odeyingbo to carry the load.

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Matt Holder with Bleacher Report laid out a handful of moves that teams should make before training camp. Some intriguing trades were mentioned, including a move that would have the Philadelphia Eagles offloading Bradberry to the Colts.

“Adding the soon-to-be 31-year-old would give the Colts another starting option at cornerback and a good mentor for their young position group at the least,” Holder wrote. “Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles spent their top two picks of the draft on cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.”

A stable presence at cornerback could be exactly what the Colts need in 2024.

James Bradberry’s Football Career

Bradberry wasn’t always a household name.

Before his NFL career, Bradberry was a virtually unknown high school recruit. He was a 2-star athlete out of Pleasant Grove, Alabama with virtually no FBS interest. Arkansas State offered him a scholarship, but Bradberry transferred to Samford after just redshirting his freshman year.

The move allowed Bradberry to showcase his talents, racking up four interceptions and 15 pass breakups over his final two seasons. Coming in at 6’1″ and 211 pounds, his athleticism and length helped him draw attention from NFL scouts.

The Carolina Panthers took a swing on Bradberry in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the team before signing a new contract with the New York Giants. It was there where he earned his first and only Pro Bowl honors.

However, Bradberry took another step forward with the Eagles after two seasons in New York. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2022 with three interceptions and 17 pass breakups.

Bradberry’s future in Philadelphia is now up in the air after a down 2023 season. The good news for a team like the Colts is that means the 30-year-old cornerback could be available for a reasonable price in a trade.

The Colts Need Veteran Cornerback Depth

The Colts don’t just need depth at cornerback. They need experienced depth.

Kenny Moore II is the team’s only established starter at cornerback. He doesn’t play on the outside, however, and will continue to hold down the team’s slot corner role.

That leaves a handful of young and/or undrafted players on the depth chart. Dallis Flowers was an undrafted free agent back in 2022, but surprised enough to earn an All-Rookie selection in his first season. The Colts are hoping that he can return to full form after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury early in 2023.

JuJu Brents could win the other outside starting job. That’s not a given, as he took his lumps and struggled to stay healthy as a rookie in 2023. Still, a second-round pick with good size and instincts could have him hitting his stride next season.

Other options on the roster include Darrell Baker Jr., Jaylon Jones, and rookie Jaylin Simpson. None of these players have more than a year or two of NFL experience, which makes trading for a veteran like Bradberry an even stronger possibility before training camp.

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Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine laid out some potential trades for players who need fresh starts. The list included big names like defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Ballentine laid out a reasonable trade offer for the Colts to bring Sanders in.

Colts receive: RB Miles Sanders

Panthers receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

“Indianapolis would be the optimal landing spot for a Sanders resurgence,” Ballentine wrote. “His best season came with the Eagles when Shane Steichen served as offensive coordinator. He had 1,347 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022 before Steichen left to take the Indianapolis Colts head coach.”

He’s not the same player he used to be, but Sanders could still fill a key role for the Colts.

Miles Sanders Can Still Be a Productive Running Back

Things went poorly for Sanders in 2023. However, a chance of scenery could do him a lot of good.

Sanders had to wait until his final year at Penn State to break out on the national stage. After spending time behind future NFL star Saquon Barkley, Sanders took over as the starting running back in 2018. He finished the year with 1,274 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Philadelphia Eagles picked Sanders up in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. It took him some time, but he developed into a Pro Bowl running back in 2022, posting a career-high 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns without missing a game.

That breakout year allowed Sanders to cash in during free agency. The Carolina Panthers scooped him up with a four-year, $25.4 million deal last offseason.

Unfortunately, the season ended up being a nightmare for the entire Panthers team. A brutal 2-15 season with a poor offensive line led to career-low marks across the board for Sanders. He recorded just one rushing touchdown, averaging a disappointing 3.3 yards per carry.

Things could turn around with a better overall offensive performance from the Panthers in 2024. If that doesn’t happen, then a change of scenery could be the best move for Sanders and Carolina.

The Colts Need a Reliable Backup Running Back

Jonathan Taylor is one of the best running backs in the NFL when healthy. However, if he’s not able to suit up at any point in 2024, the Colts don’t have any ideal options behind him.

Zack Moss filled in admirably last season for Taylor, but the veteran running back left in free agency. That leaves a handful of backs currently on the roster fighting for playing time.

Tyler Goodson saw some limited action for the Colts last season, even averaging a strong 6.7 yards per carry. Fans will mostly remember him for a fourth-down drop that cost the Colts a chance at the postseason in their season finale.

The most interesting candidate to take over as RB2 is Evan Hull. The former Northwestern back shined in training camp as a rookie last season, but missed the entire season due to a knee injury.

Other potential backup options include Trey Sermon and Zavier Scott. A trade for a player like Sanders could give the Colts a much more established veteran backup behind Taylor.

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But what Colts area scout Anthony Coughlan had to say about Mitchell is an opinion worth reading, because it gives us a peek behind the curtains as to how the evaluators within the organization view their new pass catcher.

“He’s got confidence, man.”

That’s how Coughlan began his evaluation of Mitchell before getting into depth about the Texas product on April 27.

“He thinks he belongs. He’s got talent and he knows it. He works. This dude believes he belongs,” Coughlan continued, as transcribed by the Indy Star. “He started as a freshman at Georgia. He’s made plays in big games throughout his entire career at two schools. He has no shortage of confidence. It’s important for receivers. It’s important for every position. You’ve gotta know you belong.

“He’s going to be pretty versatile, as he was at Texas. He’s a guy who can be a deep threat. He can run intermediate routes. This is a big dude. He’s 205 pounds and ran a 4.38. He’s a multi-dimensional threat, and he’s a good route runner. He’s not just a deep-ball, 50/50, that’s it. I think he can threaten you on multiple levels. We’re extremely excited to get his talent in here.”

Adonai Mitchell Brings Clutch Factor to Indy

Along with his physical skills, Coughlan said Mitchell has a knack for making plays when they are needed the most.

“Matt Terpening, our director, always says, ‘This guy’s clutch.’ He says that about certain players. (Mitchell) has that gene. He just makes plays. There’s countless games,” Coughlan said, via Indy Star. “Me and Terp were at the Kansas State game and he’s catching deep shots. You can watch the Alabama game. This is primetime, in Tuscaloosa, and he’s catching some deep bombs. The dude has real talent. I’m very fired up to get him in this building.

“This guy went to Georgia. He started as a freshman. I don’t know if it’s necessarily a chip. This guy knows he’s talented. He knows he’s an NFL player. Obviously, he came out early, but when you produce as a freshman at Georgia and at Lucas Oil Stadium against Alabama and at Texas, playing in Tuscaloosa, he knows he has something to him. You have to have that. You have to have some belief in yourself at this level that you can achieve great things.”

Coughlan, as well as general manager Chris Ballard during his epic rant on Mitchell on April 26, made one thing very clear during their recent press conferences:

The Colts really like Mitchell.

Adonai Mitchell is Ready to Make Anthony Richardson’s Life Easier

Speaking to the media after day two of the Draft, Mitchell made it clear he doesn’t want second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson to worry when he throws the ball in his direction.

“I feel like as a quarterback, you always want to be perfect. Throw the perfect pass, make the perfect read,” Mitchell said during his press conference. “I feel like with my ability, I don’t like my quarterback having that much pressure on him. Sometimes if you need to throw it a little high, I don’t care, just throw it in the area. Ain’t nobody coming down with it but me.”

If Mitchell can make Richardson’s job as the franchise QB in Indianapolis as stress-free as possible, then the entire team will benefit from it.

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In the weeks leading up to the draft, reports with unnamed sources came out questioning Mitchell’s character. Anonymous scouts slammed Mitchell in a piece from Bob McGinn with Go Long, questioning his ability to stay focused and one even going as far as to call him “almost uncoachable.”

The Colts didn’t seem to mind any of that, and took Mitchell with the 52nd overall pick in this year’s draft. In fact, Ballard went as far as to go on an expletive-filled rant to slam the anonymous reports about his newest wide receiver.

Chris Ballard’s Epic Press Conference

Shortly after the Colts made their Day 2 picks, Ballard was available to the media to talk about the team’s selections. It didn’t take him much time to start hammering the reporting surrounding Mitchell’s character.

You can watch the full rant from Ballard in the video. (WARNING: the language used is NSFW)

“Unnamed sources, bad interview, that’s such b******t,” Ballard said. “Put your name on it. I’m tired of, we tear these young men down. These are 21, 22-year-old men. If people can tell me they’re perfect in their lives, it’s crap. This is a good kid, and for those reports to come out, I said it last year, it’s b******t.”

Ballard semi-apologized for cursing during the answer. However, it was clear from his response that he feels very strongly about the kid that Mitchell is and the man that he could become.

The Colts had a need at wide receiver, and Mitchell was generating some buzz as a potential first-round pick. Instead, they were able to land him deep into the second round, giving Anthony Richardson another weapon to work with next season.

AD Mitchell Scouting Report

When it comes to athletic testing and on-field work, Mitchell was one of the more exciting wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft.

A transfer from Georgia, Mitchell had a breakout 2023 season with the Texas Longhorns. He finished the year with 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns, playing a key role on a College Football Playoff team.

Mitchell has great size at 6’2″ and 205 pounds. He posted excellent athletic testing on top of that. His Relative Athletic Score of 9.99 out of 10 ranked fifth all-time among 3,402 recorded receivers. His testing was highlighted by a 40-yard dash time of 4.34 seconds and an absurd broad jump of 11’4″.

On tape, Mitchell does a great job of creating separation, both downfield and against press coverage. He has very good long speed, along with excellent deep ball tracking to get under the ball and consistently come away with explosive plays. He also has the ideal frame and body control to consistently come away with 50-50 balls.

Mitchell’s effort doesn’t consistently show up throughout a game, but it’s noticeable when it’s there. He also needs to be more consistently effective as a run blocker, especially given his frame.

Still, as a pure pass-catching weapon opposite of Michael Pittman, there weren’t many better fits than Mitchell for the Colts.

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In a post on the Atlanta Falcons X account, Ryan shared his retirement announcement. He leaves the NFL at 38 years old after spending almost his entire career in Atlanta.

“So today, 16 years after being drafted, my childhood dream has officially come to an end. I’m honored to retire as a Falcon,” Ryan said in the video. “You have no control in this profession in where you start. I am so lucky that my start and my finish was here in Atlanta.”

Ryan spent his final NFL season on a roster with the Colts in 2022. While he was unable to find a team to play for in 2023, he left the door open before officially announcing his retirement on April 22.

Matt Ryan’s Iconic NFL Career

Although his career flamed out, Ryan had one of the more memorable careers for a quarterback over the last couple of decades.

Ryan was the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Boston College. He was immediately the starter for the Falcons and made an impact right away, leading Atlanta to an 11-5 record as a rookie.

2016 was the peak for Ryan as an NFL quarterback. He was named NFL MVP after throwing for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. The Falcons made it all the way to the Super Bowl before blowing a 28-3 lead to the New England Patriots, nearly capping off a dream season.

The Colts traded for Ryan prior to the 2022 season. Unfortunately, it was clear that he was at the end of his career. He went just 4-7-1 as the starter, throwing for 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in a disappointing season.

Still, Ryan leaves the NFL with all kinds of accolades under his belt. He retires with an MVP, first-team All-Pro selection, and four Pro Bowl appearances. While he never won a Super Bowl, Ryan appeared in 10 playoff games and led the Falcons to six seasons with double-digit wins in the regular season.

Now, Ryan can continue to figure out what’s next for him after officially retiring from the NFL.

The Colts Are (Finally) Set at Quarterback

After years of short-term, stop-gap quarterbacks, the Colts have seemingly found their long-term answer in Anthony Richardson.

Richardson showed exciting flashes as a rookie, making plays through the air and with his legs. Unfortunately, his season was cut short after playing in just four games, suffering a concussion followed by a season-ending shoulder injury.

The good news is that Richardson is continuing to recover quickly from the injury. His presence marks the first Colts offseason in years where the fanbase isn’t wondering who the quarterback will be for the upcoming season.

The Colts also added some insurance by signing veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to a one-year deal. Flacco will serve as the team’s backup, but looks like he has plenty left in the tank after a strong season with the Cleveland Browns.

Having some stability at quarterback allows head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard to start building around Richardson instead of figuring out who is playing under center in 2024.

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“The 25-year-old has put up one great season out of four, but he’s now locked in at a cost of more than $28 million over the course of the next two years. Running backs are almost never worth that kind of scratch,” Gagnon wrote on April 10.

After holding out for a new contract early during the 2023 season, Indy gave its veteran back a three-year, $42 million deal, which included $19.3 million in guarantees and $24.5 million in injury guarantees.

Taylor’s new deal made him the fourth-highest-paid back in the NFL based on guarantees, according to Over The Cap. His $10.6 million cap hit for the 2024 season ranks sixth-highest on Indy’s roster.

Jonathan Taylor is Entering Prove-It Year With Colts

Taylor didn’t do a whole lot during the 2023 season to merit getting the bag from the Colts. But he certainly ended the season on a high note.

In 10 regular season games played, Taylor, 25, ran the ball 169 times for 741 yards — 4.3 yards per carry — and 7 touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. He also caught 19 passes for 153 yards and had 1 receiving touchdown.

A large chunk of Taylor’s production last season came during the final two weeks of the regular season in which he ran the ball 51 times for 284 yards — 5.5 yards per carry — and 2 touchdowns.

Despite the strong finish, Taylor was out-produced by Indy backfield mate Zack Moss for the season by way of a 183-794-5 stat line, which were career-high numbers across the board for Moss.

Moss was paid a base salary of $1.13 million for the 2023 season before taking to free agency this offseason and signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Taylor is entering the final year of his contract in which his base salary is fully guaranteed. That means, depending on his production during the 2024 season, the Colts could cut ties with Taylor during the 2025 offseason and suffer minor cap casualties as a result.

If Indy were to cut Taylor in 2025 with a post-June 1 designation, the team would save $26 million against the cap in 2025 and 2026 combined, and would only take on $5 million in dead money, according to OTC.

So, it’s safe to say that Taylor is entering a crucial point in his NFL career, as his production during the 2024 season will significantly impact his future in the league.

If Taylor produces well next season, he could receive another extension from the Colts. If he doesn’t produce, then he could be looking for a new home in 2025.

Colts Prepping for 2024 NFL Draft

Next up on the NFL calendar is the 2024 NFL Draft, which will take place from April 25 to April 27 in Detroit, Michigan. The three-day event will be available to watch on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.

The Colts have one draft pick in each round of this year’s draft: No. 15, No. 46, No. 82, No. 117, No. 151, No. 191, and No. 124.

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ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter posted to X to announce the extension on April 15. According to Schefter, it’s a two-year, $46 million extension that will keep Buckner in Indianapolis through the 2026 season.

Buckner is just the latest defensive lineman to earn a massive contract extension this offseason. Other players cashing in at the position include the likes of Christian Wilkins, Chris Jones, and Derrick Brown.

For the Colts, they’re able to keep one of their most dominant players on either side of the ball as they continue to build a team around rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.

DeForest Buckner Is an NFL Star

Defensive tackles don’t always get enough attention, but Buckner has established himself as one of the best in the NFL.

Buckner was a star before ever playing at the NFL level. By the time he left Oregon, he was one of the most intimidating players in college football. His accolades for the Ducks included two All-Pac-12 selections, a Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award, and first-team All-American honors.

All of those accolades, along with a 6’7″ frame, led to Buckner getting taken seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the 49ers, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors during that time.

The Colts traded for Buckner before the 2020 season, giving the 49ers a first-round pick in exchange for the star defensive lineman. The move has been a home run for general manager Chris Ballard. Along with Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, Buckner has racked up 32.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in four seasons with the Colts.

Now, the Colts will have Buckner’s services for at least three more seasons. He’s still just 30 years old, so he should continue playing at a high level for the entirety of his new extension as long as he stays healthy.

The Colts Are Bringing Everyone Back

The 2023 season felt like a missed opportunity to evaluate the Colts as a whole. Richardson’s injury made things difficult for first-year head coach Shane Steichen.

Fortunately, the Colts will be able to see what they have in 2024 after bringing back virtually all of their big names who had hit free agency.

Michael Pittman had been the biggest question mark in terms of free agency. Fortunately, after initially being franchise tagged, the Colts were able to agree to a three-year, $70 million extension. The move will allow Richardson to keep his No. 1 receiver as he continues to acclimate to the NFL.

The Colts brought back all kinds of key contributors on defense. Star slot cornerback Kenny Moore secured a three-year, $30 million extension. Grover Stewart secured a three-year extension of his own up front. Other defenders returning include Julian Blackmon, Zaire Franklin, and Tyquan Lewis.

With so many players returning, the Colts will get a better idea of what they’re capable of in 2024 with a healthy Richardson under center.

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Why? Because he wants to get his hands on Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, according to Kelsey Kramer of A to Z Sports on April 8.

“In fact, a source tells A to Z Sports that the Colts are a team that’s working the phones to trade up into the Top 10 for the former Georgia star,” Kramer wrote.

Bowers is an elite prospect at the tight end position. As a player who can be a rare immediate contributor in the passing game as a rookie, he makes sense for Indy, who is looking to add more talent around second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson via the draft.

What to Know About Brock Bowers

Bowers isn’t just an elite prospect — he’s one the best tight end prospects in recent memory.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, Bowers won’t wow you with his size. But he will wow you with his athleticism, receiving skills, and blocking ability for his size.

Bowers finished his career at Georgia with 175 receptions, 2,538 receiving yards, and 31 total touchdowns (26 receiving, 5 rushing) in 35 games played, according to Sports Reference.

Bowers, a two-time National Champion and two-time AP All-American, was the first tight end to lead a national championship team in receiving yards since 1985.

Simply put: Bowers does things that not many folks his size can.

Why Does Brock Bowers Make Sense for Indy?

With Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson, and Mo Alie-Cox already on the roster, there isn’t a desperate need to fill the tight end room with more talent in Indy. But Bowers is just that darn good that he’s worth prioritizing in the draft.

Though all three of those aforementioned players have provided their value to Indy in spurts, none possess the ability of Bowers. With all due respect to the Colts’ current tight end room, Bowers is several tiers above them in terms of ability, especially in the receiving department.

Indy wants to add another elite playmaker to Richardson’s arsenal. The team knows that they will likely have to trade way up into the top 10 — maybe the top 7 — to acquire one of the top 3 receiver prospects (Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers).

The Colts could stay put in hopes of drafting LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the middle of the first round. But there’s no guarantee that he will still be on the board come the 15th overall pick, and he doesn’t have the ceiling that Bowers does in terms of potential.

So, Bowers, who is an elite receiver in his own right, is the next best option among the draft’s top pass catchers that could be available in the backend of the top 10 picks.

Based on the current draft board, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts reached out to the Chicago Bears, whose second pick in the first round is No. 9 overall.

The 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25 to April 27  in Detroit, Michigan. The three-day event will be available to watch on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.

The Colts have one draft pick in each round of this year’s draft: No. 15, No. 46, No. 82, No. 117, No. 151, No. 191, and No. 124.

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Speaking with ESPN’s Stephen Holder for an article published on April 8, Richardson believes his shoulder injury transformed him in many ways and has put him in a position for future success as a football player.

“It’s a blessing, really,” Richardson told Holder. “The way I see it, if [the shoulder injury] didn’t happen to me, I don’t think I would be where I am now and have the mindset I have now. I appreciate the little things in life a little bit more. I appreciate the people around me a little bit more. I appreciate my opportunities a little bit more.

“I have to live with it, and I’m happily living with it. It’ll make me stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally,” Richardson continued. “So, I’m thankful for it because it’s given me a different outlook on myself and the season I’m about to have.”

Richardson didn’t get many physical reps during his rookie season — he played 173 of a possible 1,148 offensive snaps for Indy, according to Pro Football Reference. But the rookie QB still had a large amount of mental reps, which should help him hit the ground running when the 2024 season kicks off.

“People didn’t really get to see everything I could do on the field,” Richardson said, via ESPN. “So, it’s kind of like a rookie season for me still. But now I’ve gained a lot more knowledge and understanding about football and the NFL. So, I’m a rookie at heart, but now I’m slowly turning into the leader that my team needs me to be.

“I’m ready for every opportunity that’s in front of me.”

Anthony Richardson Flashed Potential in Limited Sample Size

Despite playing in just four regular season games during his rookie season before suffering the sprained right AC joint, Richardson showed a lot of potential in his limited sample size.

As the Colts’ starting QB in 2023, Richardson registered 7 total touchdowns (4 rushing, 3 passing), 2 total turnovers (1 interception, 1 fumble), and 713 total yards (577 pass, 136 rushing), according to Pro Football Reference.

Richardson displayed everything Colts Nation was expecting: leadership, elite athleticism, a strong arm, and playmaking ability. But what Richardson didn’t prove is that he can stay healthy.

Richardson’s health will be the difference between him becoming a franchise QB or the next Robert Griffin III. So, he needs to prove next season that he has what it takes to protect himself and play smart football. If he can, then the sky is the limit in terms of what he can accomplish with the Colts.

But if injuries continue to be an issue for Richardson, then his time as a starting QB in the NFL will be short-lived.

What to Know About 2024 NFL Draft

The next big event on the NFL’s calendar is the 2024 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 25 to April 27  in Detroit, Michigan. The three-day event will be available to watch on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.

The Colts have one draft pick in each round of this year’s draft: No. 15, No. 46, No. 82, No. 117, No. 151, No. 191, and No. 124.

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Though signing Davis gives Indy great depth along the defensive interior line, one anonymous NFL executive told The Athletic that the Colts overpaid for Davis.

“They spent too much for Raekwon Davis. You are paying for height, weight, speed. It’s all good until they don’t play well,” the exec said in an article posted on April 3.

Time Will Tell if Colts Overspent on Raekwon Davis

Davis, 26, entered the NFL as a second-round pick — 56th overall — of the Miami Dolphins in 2020.

Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 325 pounds, Davis has the size and explosion that’s needed to clog up the middle rushing lanes and prevent a quarterback from stepping up in the pocket.

The problem is that Davis hasn’t proven he can be consistent enough to be on the field for more than 56% of the defensive snaps in any given season during his NFL career. Through four seasons, Davis hasn’t recorded more than 20 total quarterback pressures or stops in a single season either, per PFF.

Given those statistics, at the surface, it appears that Indy overpaid for Davis, whose contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $7 million despite having to play behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart for the 2024 season. However, it’s worth noting that only $7 million of Davis’ contract is guaranteed, as $5 million of it comes in the form of a prorated signing bonus in 2024 and 2025 and only $2 million of his 2024 salary is guaranteed, according to Over The Cap. None of his 2025 salary is guaranteed.

With that being said, Davis’ role in Indy could be expanded after the 2024 season.

Buckner, 30, will be a free agent in 2025. Though the Colts might be willing to bring him back on a 1-2 year deal next offseason, it wouldn’t be surprising if general manager Chris Ballard opted not to pay the aging veteran. So, that opens up a larger role for Davis to step into in 2025 if he proves he’s capable of taking over for the two-time All-Pro.

So, consider Davis a player that’s entering a prove-it year with the Colts. If he performs well next season, the team could give him a new deal and a bigger role in 2025. If he doesn’t play well, then Indy could cut him next offseason and would only take on $2.5 million in dead money while saving $6.4 million, per OTC.

Besides — the Colts have a starting QB on a rookie deal. So even if they did overpay for Davis, that’s okay considering the team still has $16.9 million in cap space with three weeks to go until the draft.

As it currently stands, the Colts’ defensive tackle room consists of Buckner, Stewart, Davis, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Taven Bryan, and Eric Johnson II.

What to Know About the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25 and will take place in Detroit, Michigan. It will be available to watch on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.

The Colts have one draft pick in each round: No. 15, No. 46, No. 82, No. 117, No. 151, No. 191, and No. 124.

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We’re not just looking to compete for a division title anymore. We’re looking to compete for a championship.

Houston sent a 2025 second-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a 2024 sixth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

The move bolsters the Texans’ offense, which already had budding star quarterback C.J. Stroud and 1,000-yard receiver Nico Collins, among other playmakers like receiver Tank Dell, tight end Dalton Schultz, and running back Joe Mixon.

After beating the Colts in the regular season finale last season, which put Houston in the playoffs and eliminated Indy from playoff contention, the Texans have continued to capitalize on their young QB’s rookie contract by adding talent around him, whether it be on offense and/or defense. That’s why they were able to trade for Diggs, who has one guaranteed year left from his four-year, $96 million deal he signed with the Bills in 2022.

Meanwhile, the most notable player the Colts have added who wasn’t already in the building was backup QB Joe Flacco. Aside from him, Indy has re-signed many of its own and added a few depth pieces.

Colts Need to Be Aggressive in NFL Draft

Houston has been very aggressive this offseason in an attempt to contend for a Super Bowl. Because of that, the Colts need to show a bit more urgency when it comes to adding more talent around second-year QB Anthony Richardson, otherwise, they can kiss goodbye their chances of winning an AFC South title in the foreseeable future. Their next and final opportunity to do that is in the 2024 NFL Draft.

As it currently stands, Indy has seven draft picks — one in each round. The first one is the 15th overall selection.

Given that this receiver class is very talented and deep, the Colts — even if the top three wide receivers are off the board by their first pick — could opt to select a pass catcher on Day 1 of the draft. They could pick a receiver like LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. or a tight end like Brock Bowers.

The team could also opt to wait until the second round — where they own the 46th overall pick — to draft a pass catcher and use their first-round pick on one of the top cornerbacks on the board.

Whatever route the team decides to go, Indy needs to come out of the three-day event with more playmakers to put around Richardson. It’s crucial to his success early in his NFL career and for the Colts to keep up with what’s shaping up to be a high-caliber Texans offense.

As it currently stands, Indy’s receiver room consists of Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, D.J. Montgomery, Juwann Winfree, Ethan Fernea, Tyrie Cleveland, and Terrell Bynum.

The Colts tight end room consists of Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson, Moe Alie-Cox, Eric Tomlinson, Jordan Murray, and Will Mallory.

What to Know About 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will take place on April 25 and goes through April 27. The event will take place in Detroit, Michigan, and will be available to watch on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.

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According to 7News in Miami, Davis was found dead in his grandmother’s Southwest Ranches residence. Police arrived at the home on the morning of Monday, April 1.

Although Miami police are reporting that no foul play was involved, the cause of death is currently unknown.

Illinois basketball assistant coach Chester Frazier, a former classmate of Davis while the two played in college, posted to X with his condolences to the two-time Pro Bowler and his family.

“#illinination we lost a great today!!! RIP TO @vontaedavis man nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!! Praying for the Davis family!!” Frazier wrote.

Vontae Davis’ Football Career

Davis found success at every level of his football career. A 3-star recruit out of Dunbar High School, he was the top-ranked recruit in the Washington D.C. area with scholarship offers from Michigan State, Virginia, and other programs.

Instead, Davis decided to go to the midwest to play for the Illinois Fighting Illini. The move turned out to be the right one for him, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2007 and 2008. He finished his college career with 206 combined tackles and seven interceptions in three seasons.

All of that college success led to Davis being a first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. After a respectable three-year stint in Miami, Davis was traded to the Colts for a second-round pick.

Davis hit his peak in Indianapolis, playing a key role for the Colts defense during the Andrew Luck era. He was named a Pro Bowler in the 2014 and 2015 seasons, and six seasons in Indianapolis before signing a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.

Despite signing the deal, Davis abruptly retired at halftime of his first game with the team.

Sports World Reacts to Davis’ Death

Following the news of his death, the sports world shared their love and support for Davis and his family.

“Such terrible news,” MMQB’s Albert Breer posted. “Vontae Davis always seemed like such a nice, good-hearted guy. Prayers with his family on an unfathomable day.”

Matt Overton, the former long snapper for the Colts and teammate of Davis, also posted a message of support.

“So saddened by the news of Vontae Davis,” Overton wrote. “Such a great man and it was an honor to be teammates. May we pray for God to comfort the Davis family during this heartbreaking time.”

“Just tragic to hear about the loss of Vontae Davis,” local Indianapolis radio host Kevin Bowen shared. “Always had a smile on his face when I saw him in that back corner of the Colts locker room. That 2014 season was so special by Davis. Arguably, the Colts best player in that AFC Title game run.”

The brother of former NFL tight end Vernon Davis, the former Colts and Dolphins cornerback was respected by fans, media, and players all across the league. Prayers and support continue to pour out across sports landscape as details continue to emerge regarding his death.

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That’s why Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox put together a trade package that could help Indy move up into the top 10 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Knox has the Colts trading a 2024 first-round pick, third-round pick, fourth-round pick, and a 2025 third-round pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Chicago’s 2024 first-round pick, which is the ninth overall selection.

Though Knox doesn’t get into detail about which receiver, in particular, he thinks the Colts could take with the ninth overall pick, he believes getting inside the top 10 will allow Indy to select one of the top 3 receiver prospects: Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers. He also notes TE Brock Bowers as a potential option.

“It feels unlikely that all four of the top pass-catchers will fall out of the top 10, even if four quarterbacks are in that range,” Knox wrote on March 29. “The Patriots and Giants should be interested in receivers if they don’t take signal-callers. The Atlanta Falcons could also seek another playmaker to put around Kirk Cousins.”

Colts Need Another Consistent Playmaker Opposite Michael Pittman Jr.

Knox’s trade scenario could happen simply because the Colts need to add a consistent playmaker opposite receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in the passing game.

Alec Pierce — a 2022 second-round pick — can provide a spark downfield occasionally for Indy’s offense. But he’s too inconsistent a player at this point in his career to be playing 95% of the team’s offensive snaps, which is how much he was on the field during the 2023 season.

Providing second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson with as many playmakers as possible in the passing game will give him the best chance to succeed. But getting a receiver on Day 1 of the draft based on where the team currently sits in the draft order will be tricky.

Many of the top receiver prospects are projected to either go in the top 10 picks or the bottom 12 picks of the first round. So, the Colts — who currently have the 15th overall pick — are in a spot where selecting a receiver not named Harrison, Odunze, or Nabers with the 15th overall pick would be considered a reach by many. The same goes for selecting any tight end not named Bowers.

Moving up in the draft to select one of the top 3 receiver prospects is worth whatever it takes to make it happen. Harrison, Odunze, and Nabers are some of the best receiver prospects we’ve seen in recent memory, and the same for Bowers among TEs.

Pairing one of those prospects with Pittman will make Richardson’s potential sky-high.

Michael Pittman Jr. Gifts Parents New Cars

One of the first big purchases Pittman made after signing a three-year, $70 million extension with the Colts was for his parents.

Pittman gifted a Cadillac to his mother and a Porsche to his father, according to an Instagram post by the Colts WR.

The caption of Pittman’s post reads, “I’ve been dreaming about this moment ever since I started playing football. Beyond grateful to these two.”

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ESPN Colts insider Stephen Holder discussed Ballard’s offseason strategy in an article published on Tuesday, March 26. In the article, Holder mentioned that the Colts had actually offered more money to Hunter in free agency, but he had opted to take less to join the Houston Texans.

“The Colts earnestly chased Vikings free agent pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, even offering him more money than the Houston Texans — a two-year, $49 million ($48 million guaranteed) deal — ultimately gave him, according to a team source,” Holder wrote. “But after that failed pursuit and considering other potential moves, the Colts had some decisions to make on their own free agents before they availed themselves of alternatives.”

Losing out on a premier free agent stings, but losing out on a player like Hunter to a divisional rival will leave an extra bitter taste in Ballard’s mouth.

Danielle Hunter Likely Wanted to Come Back Home

Money isn’t always the most important thing in free agency, and that seems to be the case for Hunter.

Despite being offered more money from the Colts, Hunter opted to head to Houston on an almost fully guaranteed contract. On top of guaranteed money, the absence of state income tax in Texas could actually have Hunter making more with the Texans than what he was offered by Indianapolis.

On top of that, Hunter grew up just west of Houston, attending Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas. The possibility of going back home likely played a factor for Hunter in free agency.

“It means a lot,” Hunter said after signing with the Texans. “It’s an honor to be able to come back and play in front of my family and all the people that I grew up with. I know they’ve been pretty excited about the news lately. They’ll finally be able to come to a game and see me play.”

Hunter was a 4-star recruit in high school. While he had offers from in-state programs like Houston and Texas Tech, he ultimately decided to head out of state to play for the LSU Tigers.

After a solid college career, Hunter was taken in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro selection in 2018 during a successful nine seasons with the franchise.

Now, Hunter is looking forward to the next chapter of his career while coming back home.

Joe Flacco Highlights Colts Free Agency Period

The Colts have been more focused on re-signing their own players instead of pursuing other top free agents. Only two free agents from outside of the building have been signed, highlighted by veteran quarterback Joe Flacco.

Flacco signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million with the Colts. The 39-year-old will presumably serve as the team’s backup quarterback, but could be ready to fill in as starting quarterback Anthony Richardson continues to recover from a season-ending shoulder injury.

Former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Raekwon Davis is the only other notable free agent signing for the Colts. He signed a two-year deal worth up to $14 million, looking to have an impact in the trenches alongside the likes of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.

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That’s why Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon believes Indy is one of the “best fits” for free-agent wide receiver Mike Williams.

“If Williams is looking to join a playoff threat, the Indianapolis Colts would be a quality landing spot,” Kenyon wrote on March 16.

What to Know About Mike Williams

Williams, 29, was a first-round pick — seventh overall — of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017 out of Clemson.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 218 pounds, Williams doesn’t have the speed to burn opposing secondaries (he ran a 4.54 40-yard dash at his Clemson Pro Day). But he does have the technique and physicality to win downfield, which is evident in his 15.6 yards per catch during his NFL career, per Pro Football Reference.

The biggest issue with Williams is his injury history. During his six-year NFL career, Williams has missed a total of 39 games with injuries ranging from his neck down to his ankle. His most recent injury was a torn ACL that he suffered on September 24, 2023.

Despite the injuries, Williams has shown flashes of excellence when healthy. He caught 309 passes for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns during his time with the Chargers.

Williams is a free agent this offseason due to finances. By releasing Williams on March 13 — the start of the new league year — the Chargers saved $20 million in cap space, according to ESPN.

Throughout his NFL career, Williams has earned $75.5 million, per Spotrac.

Does Mike Williams Make Sense for Colts?

Indy isn’t getting the consistent playmaking downfield that they need from third-year wideout Alec Pierce. So bringing in another pass catcher that can challenge opposing secondaries deep makes sense for the team.

Williams fits the mold of what the Colts need in their receiver room. But the money will ultimately determine whether this marriage will ever happen.

If Williams is willing to sign a one-year, incentive-laden deal — a prove-it deal — that would give Indy the flexibility they need to add at several other positions in free agency while also acquiring a talented veteran receiver with little financial risk involved. That would also allow Williams — if he stays healthy and performs well during the 2024 season — to re-enter free agency in 2025 and get a bigger contract.

According to Over The Cap, the Colts have $22.6 million in cap space.

Indy’s current receiver room consists of Pierce, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, Juwann Winfree, Tyrie Cleveland, D.J. Montgomery, Ethan Fernea, and Terrell Bynum.

Mike Williams Set to Visit With 3 Teams: Report

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 17, Williams is scheduled to visit with three teams this week: the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Schefter also noted that, despite being cut by Los Angeles, the Chargers are interested in re-signing Williams.

Based on the fact that Williams suffered the torn ACL very early during the 2023 regular season, he is expected to be fully recovered by the start of the 2024 season.

Williams turns 30 on October 4.

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On March 16, Lammons tagged Sneed in a post on X, formerly Twitter, and included multiple “eyes” emojis in the post. But what really added fuel to the fire was Sneed responded to Lammons’ post by posting multiple “eyes” emojis as well.

Colts Insiders Share Conflicting Reports on Sneed

Destin Adams of A to Z Sports reported on March 16 that the Colts and Chiefs are “ironing out” the final trade details that will send Sneed to Indy. Adams wrote that that the Colts are sending a 2024 third-round pick and an additional pick in 2025 to Kansas City in exchange for the star cornerback.

Jason Spears, a prominent Colts podcaster, doubled down on Adams’ report.

“I was told the deal is done. I’m not sure when it gets announced, but it’s done,” Spears wrote of Indy’s trade for Sneed. “Ran it by someone in the Colts community with connects & they heard the same. CB (Chris Ballard) with the late night work.”

Yet The Athletic’s Stephen Holder refuted Adams and Spears’ reports.

“Once and for all: There is no trade in place between the Chiefs and Colts for L’Jarius Sneed,” Holder wrote on March 16. “I was told this unequivocally from the highest levels of the Colts organization. Hope everyone has a great day.”

That post was issued in the wake of Holder’s post on March 15 in which he provided some clarification on why Sneed has not yet been traded.

“Regarding Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed — who was franchised and given permission to seek a trade — my understanding is the holdup is less about KC’s willingness to trade him and more about the challenge of agreeing to a new contract,” Holder wrote.

Despite Holder refuting Adams’ report, Adams stood by his original reporting on Sneed.

“Going to let the situation play out but I stand on the fact that I trust the info I was given from multiple different people here,” Adams wrote. “I never have and never will put out any info that I don’t 100% vet and trust. As I said earlier if I’m proven wrong I’ll own it and apologize to each and every person on this app. But I ask everyone to please not attack myself or Stephen. I respect the work Stephen does tremendously and I appreciate the support so many of you have from me but I want no hostility coming Stephen’s way.”

Colts Cap Situation After Week 1 of Free Agency

After the first week of free agency, the Colts have $22.6 million in available cap space, according to Over The Cap. That leaves the team with room to acquire and sign Sneed to a multi-year contract.

According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, Sneed is worth a four-year, $65.3 million contract, which is an average annual value (AAV) of $16.3 million.

If Sneed were to get a contract with that AAV, it would make him the ninth-highest-paid CB in the NFL based on that financial metric, per OTC.

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The other teams that Dillon is showing interest in are the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.

Dillon, 25, was a second-round pick — 62nd overall — of the Packers in 2020 out of Boston College. Standing at 6-0 and weighing 247 pounds, NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein compared Dillon’s physical build to a “minibus” in Dillon’s 2020 draft profile.

During his four seasons in Green Bay, Dillon played backup to veteran Aaron Jones, and rightfully so. Jones — who has a 5.0 yards per attempt average in his NFL career as well as a 28.3% breakaway percentage, per PFF — was an explosive and reliable back during his seven years with the Packers. Dillon — who averages 4.1 yards per attempt in his career and has a 14.5% breakaway percentage — on the other hand, was not.

Despite being very athletic for his size, Dillon averages 2.69 yards after contact per attempt, which ranks 73rd among all NFL running backs, per PFF. Dillon simply does not possess big-play ability nor consistency on every play, which is why, even after cutting Jones on March 11, the Packers didn’t try to re-sign him.

Should Colts Be Interested in Dillon?

It would make sense for Colts general manager Chris Ballard to sign Dillon for the veteran minimum and have him compete for a roster spot behind Jonathan Taylor.

The Colts have had their share fair of reclamation stories in the recent past, with Zack Moss and Trey Sermon being examples during the 2023 season. So, Dillon joining forces with the Colts and being productive is in the range of outcomes for the fifth-year back.

But with Sermon, Evan Hull, and Tyler Goodson still vying for spots on the active roster in 2024, Dillon would have to show out quickly in Indy to stick around.

Twitter/X Reacts to AJ Dillon’s Interest in Indy

Users on X, formerly Twitter, reacted to Dillon’s interest in joining the Colts.

“AJ Dillon has a decent yards per route run, but aside from that, his name doesn’t overly excite me,” one user wrote. “I think the next decent #Colts RB option comes through the draft. Cheaper, younger, less wear & tear.”

“As someone who has AJ Dillon in his dynasty league, Imma need the Colts to stay away,” another user wrote. “As a Colts fan, Dillon would be a solid backup but I’d rather use a mid-round pick to fill that spot with a more versatile back.”

“Please stay away Colts. He had every opportunity to do something last year and couldn’t figure it out. WE DO NOT WANT,” another user wrote.

“I have always loved Dillon. Power back with a high motor. Would be a heck of a compliment to JT. A reliable pass catcher and a great blocker,” another user wrote.

“I’ve always been a Dillon fan. I think Colts offense would turn pretty much any RB2 into a fantasy football-relevant guy, so cost is a consideration,” another user wrote. “But that would be one heckuva roster fit, with his skillset complementing Taylor’s.”

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“Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley loves a hard-hitting strong safety, from Kam Chancellor in Seattle to Derwin James Jr. with the Chargers. That’s a position where the Colts can upgrade, especially with Julian Blackmon a free agent,” Schatz wrote on March 1. “Dugger is a skilled, forceful player who fits the run well; his average run tackle came after a gain of just 4.5 yards, one of the lowest figures of any NFL safety last season. He can also cover tight ends if needed. He would help a Colts defense that ranked 20th in DVOA last season, including 24th against the run.”

What to Know About Kyle Dugger

Dugger, 27, entered the NFL as a second-round pick — 37th overall — of the New England Patriots in 2020 out of Division II Lenoir-Rhyne.

During his four seasons in New England, Dugger proved to be a physical safety that can play multiple roles. He managed to record over 160 snaps in the box (1,564), in the slot (608), at free safety (577), out wide as a corner (202), and on the defensive line (167) during that timeframe.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 222 pounds, Dugger’s calculated market value, according to Spotrac, is $66.2 million over four years, which is an average annual value (AAV) of $16.5 million. That type of contract would make Dugger the fourth-highest-paid safety in the NFL based on AAV, according to Over The Cap.

Does Kyle Dugger Make Sense for Colts?

If Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley wants a hard-hitting safety to fill the void left behind by Blackmon (assuming the Colts don’t retain Blackmon), then Dugger fits the bill.

Dugger is a versatile defender who can add some extra physicality to Indy’s defense while also improving the team’s run defense, which struggled last season. And with $72 million in cap space this offseason, the Colts can afford to make a pricey addition like Dugger.

Users on X, formerly Twitter, discussed the state of the Colts’ safety room heading into free agency.

“My mentions today are making me aware that a lot of fans seem to think the #Colts safety room is better than it is,” Destin Adams of A to Z Sports wrote. “If they lost Blackmon they’d immediately have one of the worst safety duos in the entire league.”

“I would argue (the Colts have the) worst (safety room) in the league,” another user wrote. “Rodney Thomas II had one of the worst seasons in recent memory. We have to add a Vet & a draftee at S, along with Julian. It’s that bad. I do like the kid from Cal to contribute immediately on ST.”

“What does all in for Ballard look like for Colts fan. What does he have to do to make you satisfied. For me it’s a vet safety and CB. That’s really it,” another user wrote.

“The depth in 2023 at safety was hot garbage,” another user wrote. “The Colts need to re-sign Blackmon, while also continuing to develop their younger guys, AND sign Tashaun Gipson Sr (another good veteran safety) to a 1 year deal (that will be pretty cheap) AND draft a safety in the 1st 4 rounds…”

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“Anthony Richardson-to-Rome Odunze could become one of the more electric QB-wide receiver tandems in rapid fashion,”Fowler wrote on February 27.

“Michael Pittman Jr.’s future is up in the air, and should he depart as a free agent, a massive hole would appear inside the Indianapolis Colts’ wideout room.

“It’s highly unlikely Odunze will be available at No. 15, but if GM Chris Ballard craves a modern-day X on the outside, the former Husky could be his guy.”

What to Know About Rome Odunze

Odunze, 21, is entering the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the top prospects among all positions.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Odunze is fresh off of a junior campaign at Washington in which he registered career-highs in targets (140), catches (92), receiving yards (1,639), and touchdowns (13), per PFF.

As a player that proved during his four seasons with the Huskies that he can be effective along the perimeter and in the slot, Odunze has been compared to former NFL receiver and 2024 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Larry Fitzgerald by NFL Media’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein. That’s a bold comparison but shows how special Odunze can be at the next level.

Being one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class, Odunze is projected to be a top-10 pick in April.

Does Rome Odunze Make Sense for Colts

If the Colts aren’t able to retain Pittman, Odunze makes a lot of sense for Indy. However, as stated by Kay, the Colts would have to trade up from the 15th overall pick to draft Odunze, because he will likely be long gone if they decide to stay put at 15.

Drafting Odunze would give Indy the flexibility to spend their $72 million in cap space elsewhere, whether it’s on depth for the receiver room, in the secondary, etc.

As it currently stands, the Colts’ receiver room heading into the 2024 season consists of Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, D.J. Montgomery, Juwann Winfree, Tyrie Cleveland, Terrell Bynum, and Ethan Fernea.

Users on X, formerly Twitter, discussed the idea of the Colts drafting Odunze.

“I said this about Michael Pittman Jr when he entered the draft but Rome Odunze is a Chris Ballard type of WR,” Stephen Reed of Stampede Blue wrote. “I’d expect the #Colts to be very interested in him come April.”

“Idk how it’s going to happen, but Rome Odunze is going to look really nice in a Colts jersey in 2024,” another user wrote.

“It’s not what any Colts fan wants to hear right now, but I believe in setting realistic expectations. If Indy stays put at No. 15, Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze will be long gone. Same with Brock Bowers,” another user wrote. “The draft can be funky sometimes, so it’s not 0%, but incredibly unlikely.”

“i’ve seen enough, i NEED rome odunze to be a Colt next year,” another user wrote.

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“With Chris Jones set to cost the Chiefs a pretty penny, Sneed figures to sneak onto the market,” Benjamin wrote on February 26. “The Colts, meanwhile, are eager to inject some proven playmaking into their secondary, making him their No. 1 cover man.”

Sneed, 27, entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 192 pounds, Sneed has developed into a do-it-all player for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in Kansas City. He can cover perimeter receivers, slide down into the slot, and is one of the best blitzing cornerbacks in the league.

During the 2023 season, Sneed was tasked with shadowing some of the NFL’s best receivers and succeeded in doing so. He kept Tyreek Hill (8-62 in Week 9, 5-62-1 in the AFC Wild-Card Round), Justin Jefferson (3-28 in Week 5), A.J. Brown (1-8 in Week 10), and Brandon Aiyuk (3-49 in the 2024 Super Bowl) in check during their respective matchups.

Despite being snubbed as an All-Pro last season, Sneed is an All-Pro caliber player, which is why he is set to cash in this offseason. According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, Sneed is worth a four-year, $65 million contract.

Should Colts Pursue L’Jarius Sneed in Free Agency?

Similar to the Chiefs, the Colts have a strong history of drafting and developing cornerbacks through the draft. However, given the string of bad luck the Colts had among their CBs during the 2023 season for various reasons, it would be wise for Indy to test out the free agent market this offseason in hopes of solidifying the top of the CB depth chart.

As it currently stands, the Colts have $72 million in cap space heading into free agency, per Over The Cap. General manager Chris Ballard is known to be frugal with Indy’s spending money, but now that the team has a surefire franchise quarterback under center in Anthony Richardson, it’s time for Ballard to empty the bank and build a championship roster around the Colts’ second-year QB.

That’s why Sneed, who would undoubtedly provide a big upgrade to Indy’s secondary and would also bring a championship pedigree with him, would be a great addition for the Colts.

X/Twitter Discusses State of the Colts

Users on X, formerly Twitter, discussed the state of the Colts heading into the 2024 offseason.

“The #Colts sit with the 6th most cap space heading into free agency, per Over the Cap. QB on a rookie deal, team outperformed expectations last season, the time is here and now to make the moves necessary to make this team into a Super Bowl contender,” Colts Coverage wrote. “There’s no more excuses for moves that don’t move the needle. Get it done Ballard.”

“#Colts have a ton of players returning from injury! Most notably Anthony Richardson, but if others like Jelani Woods, Ashton Dulin, and most of last year’s draft class can stay healthy, then this team will be significantly improved before we even add in the draft and free agency!” another user wrote.

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Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker won’t suit up due to a concussion, and offensive tackle Trent Brown won’t play due to an ankle injury. New England’s injury report on Thursday, November 9, also included defensive back J.C. Jackson, who already missed the trip amid a personal absence.

The Patriots look to snap a two-game skid against the Colts, which have their own share of injuries going into the Frankfurt, Germany game on November 12. Indianapolis will sit tight end Andrew Olgetree due to a foot injury and cornerback Julius Brents due to a quad injury.

Colts wide receiver Josh Downs couldn’t practice on Thursday due to a knee injury, and fellow receiver Alec Pierce had limited participation due to an ankle injury.  Downs ranks second on the team in receiving with 41 catches for 483 yards and two touchdowns this season, and Pierce ranks third for receiving with 17 receptions for 243 yards.

As for the Patriots losing Parker, it won’t help a New England offense that needs a spark though he hasn’t lit things up this season. Parker has 15 catches for 158 yards in seven games despite the team’s offseason investment in him — a contract extension that could pay him $33 million through 2025.

Brown’s absence will hurt the offense overall — especially quarterback Mac Jones‘ left side. Brown has an 81.4 Pro Football Focus grade, and backup left tackle Vederian Lowe, who was limited on Thursday, only has a 40.7 PFF grade.

Defensively, the Patriots take a hit without Jackson on the field with an already lean secondary. He has six pass deflections, an interception, and 17 tackles this year.

New England Facing an Additional Shakeup With the Offensive Line

Besides Brown’s absence, New England won’t have offensive line coach Arian Klemm starting this Sunday and beyond for undisclosed health reasons. Assistant offensive line coach Billy Yates will fill in for now.

“Obviously, I’ve known Billy Yates now for three years and I’ve worked with him,” Patriots center David Andrews said in a press conference on Wednesday, November 8. “I think he always does a great job. It is what it is. You have to deal with it, you have to move on, and you have to keep moving. Definitely thoughts and prayers with A.K., but we’re having a good group of guys handling it maturely and just try to move forward each week.”

“Definitely thinking about AK,” Andrews added. “We all have things that happen. Sometimes getting in a football building and it’s ‘Football, football.’ But there’s still life going on outside, and things.”

Mac Jones Expresses Confidence in Offensive Line Situation

Jones expressed his confidence that the offensive line will fare well with Yates taking charge in place of Klemm.

“I feel like we have a good coaching staff that works together, and every week they’re always working together,” Jones said in a press conference on Wednesday. “I think it’s a unit versus one person, and that’s important to make sure as players we come together as a unit and as coaches, we come together as a unit, too.”

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As training camps open and the Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs‘ opening night matchup gets closer by the day, Heavy is taking a positional deep dive in an ongoing series ranking the top five NFL players by position for the upcoming 2023 campaign.

Next up: Running backs.

1. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Saquon Barkley answered the bell, and his critics, in 2022, during the most prolific season of his career. His spot on this ranking comes with an asterisk, given the risk that he could potentially hold out after failing to reach a long-term agreement with the Giants.

However, if Barkley plays in 2023, all of the factors are in place for him to have a career year.

Finally fully healthy from a torn ACL in his right knee that kept him sidelined for all about five quarters of football in the 2020 season, Barkley regained his place among the most versatile and explosive backs in the NFL.

One year removed from rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards with 10 touchdowns and adding 57 catches for 338 yards, Barkley’s second season in Brian Daboll’s system — which places an emphasis on getting the ball in his hands in space — could be even more prolific.

2. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

Few running backs proved as capable of impacting the game in all phases as Christian McCaffrey did, once he arrived in San Francisco and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system, which seems tailored to his best traits.

McCaffrey totaled 1,147 yards from scrimmage with 10 total touchdowns in the 10 games alone since arriving via a trade into the 49ers’ offense. McCaffrey is a matchup nightmare, a versatile Swiss Army knife of a weapon as a runner and pass catcher out of the backfield.

Despite mediocre quarterback play down the stretch, McCaffrey was a focal point of San Francisco’s offense.

Last season, McCaffrey averaged 2.9 yards after contact per carry and rattled off 28 explosive runs of 10 yards or more. Whoever is behind center for San Francisco this season, expect McCaffrey to be the driving force in all phases behind the 49ers’ success on offense.

3. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

If there were ever a running back leading the pack as a possible bounce-back candidate for 2023, it’s Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor fought through nagging injuries for the Indianapolis Colts last season, and for the first time in his career was held below 900 rushing yards. Still, in 11 games, Taylor showed he remains an impact player, rushing for 861 yards with 4 touchdowns.

As Shane Steichen arrives as head coach, fresh off guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to the No. 5-rated rushing offense in 2022, Taylor should be one of the biggest benefactors to Indianapolis adopting a run-heavy scheme. After all, the last time he was healthy, Taylor forced 66 missed tackles and busted out for 50 explosive runs of 10 yards or more.

4. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

All Nick Chubb does is produce at a high level year in and year out.

Chubb came four rushing yards in 2018 shy of surpassing 1,000 yards for five consecutive seasons, and is coming off a career-high 1,525 yards with 12 rushing touchdowns in another stellar 2022 campaign. It’s that sort of production alongside backfield mate Kareem Hunt that is the foundation of the Browns’ offense.

Part of what makes Chubb such a dangerous weapon is that he’s so difficult to bring down. Chubb posted a 3.48 yards after contact average per carry last season while forcing 83 missed tackles. The combination of Chubb’s status as the Browns’ workhorse, logging 302 carries last season and his ability to bulldoze through the front seven make him one of the premier running backs in the game.

5. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

Derrick Henry remains the brightest star on the Tennessee Titans‘ offense and one of the more physically imposing backs in the league.

For the third time in his career, Henry surpassed 1,500 yards in 2022, adding 1,538 to his career total, while rushing for 13 touchdowns. At age 29, Henry has shown no signs whatsoever of slowing down.

Whether it is veteran Ryan Tannehill, or second-round pick Will Levis, at quarterback, expect the Titans’ offense to once again funnel through the ground game on Henry’s capable shoulders. It wouldn’t be surprising if Henry pushes for the rushing crown this fall, after coming up 115 yards shy in 2022.

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As DeMeco Ryans, Frank Reich and Shane Steichen potentially start quarterbacks selected at the top of the 2023 draft, Sean Payton and Jonathan Gannon will look to lead drastic turnarounds with veteran quarterbacks.

Which head coach will orchestrate the quickest turnaround? Who has the best chance to transform a bottom-dweller into a surprise contender? Discover how this year’s head coaching hires stack up, with insight from executives across the NFL.

5. Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals

Not to put an expiration date on his tenure before it even begins, but Gannon has the best chance to be one-and-done.

The Philadelphia Eagles‘ defensive collapse in the second half of the Super Bowl left much to be desired, as did Gannon for skirting accountability when asked by reporters at the NFL combine about what happened in that game. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals might boast the least-talented roster in the league.

Turning around the Cardinals in one season, in a division that houses two contenders, the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, as well as a Los Angeles Rams team that should rebound, would be a difficult task under the best of circumstances. But Gannon’s play-calling flaws were exposed by the Chiefs, and it remains unclear whether he has the temperament to be a successful NFL head coach.

4. Frank Reich, Carolina Panthers

Frank Reich, who was abruptly let go by the Indianapolis Colts last season, now finds himself in Carolina with a golden chance to develop a hand-picked young quarterback, Bryce Young. It marks his first opportunity to mold a potential franchise quarterback since his stint as Carson Wentz‘s offensive coordinator in Philadelphia from 2016 to 2017.

“The NFC South is wide open, so Frank will probably do pretty well,” an AFC personnel executive told Heavy. “Frank is the definition of a pro’s pro. His key will be Bryce Young and his ability to stay on the field. I worry that Bryce is going to get killed — like, smashed.”

Concerns about Young’s 5-foot-10 and 194-pound frame aside, Reich gets to oversee an offense that features dynamic dual-threat running back Miles Sanders along with reliable pass catchers Adam Thielen and tight end Hayden Hurst. Reich’s experience, play-calling prowess and track record for being a quarterback whisperer give him the chance to see immediate success.

3. Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts

Steichen was viewed as one of the most coveted head coaching candidates — and for good reason.

Steichen molded Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts into a legitimate MVP candidate while overseeing a balanced offense that featured dynamic deep-threat receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith yet also finished with the NFL’s fifth-ranked rushing offense.

Now in Indianapolis, Steichen has the chance to work with one of the most gifted quarterback prospects in recent years, Anthony Richardson. If Steichen can tap into Richardson’s immense potential — following the path of Hurts and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert — the Colts will be in phenomenal shape for 2023 and beyond.

2. DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans

If DeMeco Ryans is anything, he’s a culture driver and one of the brightest defensive minds currently in the sport.

“It’s an easy choice for me,” an AFC scouting director told Heavy. “It’s DeMeco Ryans. They’ve upgraded the talent on that roster significantly, and they finally have a head coach with sustainability.”

An NFC personnel executive echoed those sentiments, citing the Houston Texans‘ easy road in the AFC South as a potential driving force for Ryans to orchestrate a quick turnaround.

Ryans arrives in Houston after leading the 49ers’ top-ranked defense last season. The Texans made bold moves by adding the most highly regarded defensive prospect of this year’s class, Will Anderson, and potential franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud with consecutive picks. While winning the AFC South might be a tall order this season, Houston has assembled a talented and youthful roster that could pose a significant challenge to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023.

1. Sean Payton, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos‘ new ownership group made a big splash, luring Sean Payton out of the television studio and coming away with the prize of this year’s hiring cycle.

“Hands down, it’s Sean Payton,” an NFC personnel executive told Heavy when asked his choice for the coach who will make the biggest immediate impact. “Sean’s a proven winner, has a veteran quarterback and [has] a damn good defense.”

Payton, who arrives in the Mile High City with a Super Bowl ring on his finger and the 2006 Coach of the Year award in tow, inherits Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson and a defense built around Pro Bowl cornerback Pat Surtain and All-Pro safety Justin Simmons.

If Payton can engineer a significant turnaround for Wilson after the most disappointing season of his career, the Broncos will have a puncher’s chance in the loaded AFC.

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