5 free agent targets the Colts could sign
As the staff for the Indianapolis Colts takes shape with new head coach Shane Steichen, the organization will likely begin reviewing free agents that could add value to the team. With several free agents of their own, Chris Ballard and his staff could prioritize in-house additions and then shop externally to plug critical areas of need.
Here are five free agents the Colts might have on their radar:
K - Chase McLaughlin
The Colts had a rocky relationship with undrafted free agent Rodrigo Blankenship. After several missed field goals, the team cut Blankenship, eventually landing familiar face Chase McLaughlin. McLaughlin made a solid statement for a return to the team by making all of his extra-point attempts and was 30-of-36 on attempted field goals. More importantly, Mclaughlin was able to help a struggling offense by nailing nine field goals of 50 or more yards.
WR Parris Campbell
Chris Ballard has been very bullish about the Colts’ in-house talent at wide receiver. To that note, fans should feel confident that Ballard will likely bring back wide receiver Parris Campbell.
Campbell struggled to produce for much of his tenure due to injuries, but the 2022 season was a step in the right direction. He played all seventeen games and finished with 623 yards and three touchdowns. While those numbers aren’t eye-popping, they could entice the team to explore the possibilities of continuing the journey.
DE Yannick Ngakoue
Before signing defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, the Colts’ pass rush only tallied 33 sacks in 2021, tied for 25th in the league. Chris Ballard traded for Ngakoue, a specialist who had fifty-plus career sacks.
Ngakoue ended with season with 16 quarterback hits and 9.5 sacks. Although he has seen more productive seasons, the Colts could opt to bring him back on a team-friendly deal.
G Isaac Seumalo
With the hire of Shane Steichen, the door to signing players from his time in Philadelphia proverbially opens. One of the first positions the team could address is right guard. Despite Will Fries doing an admirable job once the Danny Pinter experiment faltered, the team needs a proven answer.
Signing guard Isaac Seumalo would bring experience and competition once training camp opens. It likely wouldn’t cost much, with his previous contract being below market value.
CB Rock Ya-Sin
The Colts drafted cornerback Rock Ya-Sin in the 2019 draft at 34th overall. In a move that was likely tough to make but was a win-win situation for both teams, Ya-Sin was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Yannick Ngakoue.
While his play had been up and down due to injuries and youth, Ya-Sin was turning the corner before being traded. With his pending free agency, the team could look to bring him back. His style of play would fit in nicely with Gus Bradley’s defense, and with things in the air with cornerback Kenny Moore, a possible reunion makes sense.