One of the glaring areas of need this offseason for the Indianapolis Colts surrounds their future at running back after the decision to let former Pro Bowler Frank Gore walk in free agency. This has put the franchise in position to start anew at the position with young talent to step into the role as possible a workhorse back.

The front office currently possesses the third-most salary cap space with more than $73.8 million at their disposal to make moves in the free agent market. According to Michael Giardi of NBC Sports Boston, the Colts are “in” on negotiating and signing former New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis.

Lewis is expected to be one of the better players available at his position that is in the prime of his career with a few other teams linked to him such as the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers. The 27-year-old is coming off his most productive season where he rushed for a career-high 896 yards and six touchdowns along with hauling in 32 catches for 214 receiving yards and three touchdowns while playing in all 16 regular season games for the first time in his career.

He has proven to be a versatile offensive factor as either a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Lewis could immediately step into a full-time role with the Colts, which could change the direction that the team goes with the second overall pick in this year's draft.

There has been wide speculation that the team is zoning in on former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley at the selection if he is still available.

With the Colts able to speak to Lewis' agent it should give them a chance to gauge how much interest he has in signing them once the free agency period begins on Wednesday afternoon. All in all, this is certainly a situation to keep an eye on in the coming days.