The Indianapolis Colts head coaching search is drawing closer to a conclusion. At this point, there is yet to be a clear front-runner for the position. But the Colts reportedly want to retain defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and his staff. At this point, it’s unclear if this is helpful or a hindrance to their search.
Who the team eventually hires could play a part in who the team pursues in free agency. However, with Bradley in place, the team already knows the type of defense it will be running in the next season. So the Colts will have an idea of the type of defensive player or players they’ll pursue.
On the offensive side, the Colts’ needs are set. They need a franchise quarterback and an upgrade at the right guard position. It can be debated who is the best quarterback fit in this draft. However, the team’s starters at the wide receiver, running back, left guard and right tackle are set.
Here are five free agents the Indianapolis Colts could target.
Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Indianapolis Colts
A dominant pass rusher has been the bane of GM Chris Ballard’s tenure with the Colts. He has drafted several guys that he thought could develop into one. All of them have failed. He’s had more success in free agency with Justin Houston and Yannick Ngakoue.
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Granted, it is easier to know what you’re getting with a free agent than with a rookie. Ngakoue is arguably the best pass rusher in this free agent class from the defensive end spot, even if he does profile more as a rotational player since he is a major liability in the run defense. Regardless, this team still needs a dominant pass rusher and Ngakoue is the closest player to meet those criteria.
Cody Ford, OG, Arizona Cardinals
It’s no secret that the Colts need help along their offensive front. They tried to get by with a couple of guys that showed some promise with the team last season. Unfortunately, Danny Pinter and Matt Pryor didn’t pan out. Will Fries, in his second season, did show better promise at right guard than Pinter and Pryor.
Fries might be the guy to get the first crack at being the starter at the right guard but the Colts should bring in some veterans to compete as well. Cody Ford is a guy who is still young and has had some NFL success. In his four-year career, he’s started 32 of the 49 games he’s played in. And he comes with some playoff experience, thanks to his time in Buffalo.
Dalton Risner, OG, Denver Broncos
Between Ford and Dalton Risner, Ford might be the cheaper of the two as he’s not been as successful. However, Risner has been a four-year starter for the Broncos since they drafted him in 2019. His play has been very good as he’s never given up more than four sacks in a season.
Again, just like with Ford, Risner would be brought in to compete against Fries for the starting right guard spot. There is also the concern that Denver values him and doesn’t let him leave their organization. Risner is a guy that could also be in high demand from other teams, too.
Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Colts need to be keeping an eye on the future. Cornerbacks Tony Brown and Brandon Facyson are free agents this offseason. Next year Stephon Gilmore and Kenny Moore are both set to become free agents. Only Isaiah Rodgers and Dallis Flowers would be the remaining cornerbacks.
Murphy-Bunting is a four-year player who helped Tampa Bay win their most recent Super Bowl. His play has also really improved, too. Last season, he allowed a 51.2% per completion, a quarterback rating of 59.6, and only gave up two touchdowns. Murphy-Bunting could be a guy that could form a legit one-two punch with Rodgers in the coming years.
Parris Campbell, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Parris Campbell had the best season of his career. He was finally able to stay healthy for an entire season. He was also the best Colts wide receiver at getting separation from the defender. And as many fans saw this past year, Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce are good enough players, but they lack the ability to get any separation.
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This makes catching the ball more of a challenge. There are two big concerns with re-signing Campbell: Can he remain healthy, and does Carolina’s new head coach, Frank Reich, want his former player? Reich was one of the biggest advocates for drafting Campbell out of Ohio State.
It is unlikely that Campbell receives a long-term, big-money contract for a lot of years — unless there is a team option early in the career or possibly the deal is backloaded. His free agency will be an interesting one to watch. If he signs with another team the Colts will need to draft another playmaking wide receiver since their depth chart is lacking explosive talent.