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It has been an eventful offseason for the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts had a 9-8 record in 2021 and narrowly missed the playoffs in a disappointing fashion. The organization elected that one year was enough time with Carson Wentz and traded the quarterback to the Commanders. Despite making a major trade for the QB just last season, it was clear Wentz was not the long-term answer for the team. The Colts followed this up by trading for Matt Ryan who is expected to fill the game-manager role the Colts seek in their quarterback.
The Colts also had a successful 2022 NFL Draft. Despite being without a first-round pick, the team added eight new prospects who are each set to challenge for minutes. Second-round WR Alec Pierce is expected to play a major role in the passing game immediately. Indianapolis also added two tight ends who are expected to help Head Coach Frank Reich implement the TE-heavy system he prefers to run.
While the offseason should be regarded as a major success, the Colts still have plenty of work to do. The NFL season is rapidly approaching and the Colts must prepare to put the finishing touches on their roster.
2 moves Colts must make after 2022 NFL Draft
Sign Julio Jones
Matt Ryan and Julio Jones have already connected on 12,744 yards and 61 touchdowns during their 134 games together. While their dominance is several years in the past, each player has some gas left in the tank.
Julio Jones is far from the player he once was, but he would still help improve the Colts' passing game. The former Alabama star struggled last season with the Titans and was released after just one season. Jones tallied just 31 receptions in his 10 games with the team. The days of Julio Jones dominating one-on-one matchups are likely over, but the 33-year-old is still a serviceable member of a wide receiver group.
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The Colts struggles in the red zone last season converting on just 56.25% of their trips. Michael Pittman Jr and rookie Alec Pierce are certain to get most of the wide receiver targets this season. However, utilizing Julio Jones in the red zone could make the Colts a much more threatening team. Allowing this duo to reunite carries far more risk than reward.
Sign JC Tretter
The Colts have done an excellent job addressing its needs this offseason. However, a team can never have too much production on the offensive line and the Colts currently have just one center on the roster. Ryan Kelly has done an excellent job as the Colts center since being drafted in the first round in 2016.
He has been very productive in his time with the franchise but also has missed at least one game in four of his six seasons as a pro. The team has flexibility in their offensive line with guys who could shift to center, but signing a full-time back would serve beneficial.
JC Tretter has a much better track record than a typical backup center. The former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman has started all 16 games in his past five seasons. Tretter is likely still in search of a starting role, but it appears the market for him may not be as strong as expected. If the Colts are able to add the 31-year-old on a cheap contract it would be an impressive insurance policy.
The Colts have upgraded the talent but are still short on numbers at the offensive line. Look for them to bring in some new faces to create competition and upgrade the unit. Matt Ryan is far from a mobile quarterback, so ensuring he is comfortable standing in the pocket is vital to the Colts' success. Look for Indianapolis to put the exclamation point on their successful offseason as the season inches closer.
