Rise and shine! It’s a great day if you’re about to become an NFL Free Agent. And at 4 p.m. ET today, if you’re a veteran player looking for a change of scenery you and your agent are going to be busy. Hence, that begs the question: So who do the indianapolis colts hope to retain by the deadline later today and which key player is likely headed elsewhere? Things are about to get very interesting. This is a team that has finished with an 8-8 record each of the past two seasons. This was after Chuck Pagano’s club reached the playoffs three consecutive years prior to that.
Bring him back
The Indianapolis Colts have already been busy when it comes to making moves to improve a club that has been mediocre in the last two years. New general manager Chris Ballard (who takes over for Ryan Grigson) has secured prospective free agent tight end Jack Doyle to a three-year contract. And there are reports that the club has dealt tight end Dwyane Allen to the New England Patriots. Also out there is that standout strong safety Mike Adams won’t be back with the club (per his own Instagram account). Who should the Colts retain? How about running back Robert Turbin? While Frank Gore enjoyed a solid season in 2015, his primary backup did good work when called upon – especially when it came to reaching the end zone.
Both Gore and Turbin tied for the team lead with eight overall touchdowns – the latter running for seven of his scores.
Let him go
If the Indianapolis Colts’ defense is to make any kind of strides, they literally need to start from scratch. In 2016, only two teams in the NFL (San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns) allowed more total yards per contest.
The Colts were 25th in the league against the run and allowed 39 offensive touchdowns. And a disappointing pass rush produced only 33 sacks – 11 of those by potential free agent Erik Walden. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Trent Cole hasn’t had much luck staying healthy. In 21 sacks with the team, the former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler has produced only five sacks.