2024 season: 8-9, second in the South of the AFC, missed the playoffs

Overview: The Indianapolis Colts are close to the playoffs, but they are behind again.

The Colts missed their fourth straight season of the playoffs, in which they won eight to nine games. They don't seem to be too far away, although we've said it a few times recently.

The Colts kept hunting in the playoffs until Week 17, when they caused embarrassing losses to the New York Giants. Along the way, there were bad questions about quarterback Anthony Richardson's development and defense. There is talent on the roster, but it seems like it's been a while since the Colts got a lot from the draft class.

Considering that team owner Jim Irsay decided to keep head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard, the Colts had to feel they were a little close. Whether they mastered this hump might depend on whether Richardson became a high-end QB. The Colts will try off the offseason again for help.

Key Free Agent

C Ryan Kelly
LB EJ Speed
S Julian Blackmon
G-Chan French Fries
de Dayo Odeyingbo
QB Joe Flacco

Who is/outside: The Colts have always prioritized their free agents, and there are a lot of them that they want to come back this season. Kelly will be 32 next season, but remains a big part of the boundaries. Fries had a leg injury at the end of the season but performed well. Speed, Blackmon and Odeyingbo are beginners. The Colts have a hard time recovering them all, so they have to prioritize carefully. As for Flacco, his season went bankrupt, but the Colts need to figure out who they want in the quarterback room where Richardson was heading together.

Key free agent needs

Tight
secondary
Quarterback

Why do you need a hole? The Colts have been cautious in free agents and rarely choose to surpass anyone. Maybe they should spend more money. The Colts saw this in the big draft with Anthony Richardson, and all they can do now is build around him and hope he grows. The point is that Richardson gets a backup for Richardson in case he misses time due to injury or disappointment. Building a core around Richardson could mean spending on external help. A nervous ending would be great, and the quarterbacks get help from a good defense. We will see if the Colts have a philosophical shift in the offseason. They might have to do it, and Ballard and Stephen felt a little hot.

Do they have money?

In terms of salary cap flexibility, the Colts are in the middle of the NFL. According to Spotrac, they expect to have a cap space of $33.8 million. This is enough to increase at least several key defense effects.

Significant cuts

de samson eBukam
Tyquan Lewis
DT Raekwon Davis

Why they might disappear: The Colts could clear a lot of money by cutting some defensive informants’ salaries that don’t match their wages. Cut Ebukam, Lewis and Davis will clear more than $19 million in the cap space. Last season, the three players combined to 1.5 sacks. Then the Colts need to fix it on the defensive line, but that's not a bad thing.

Draft picks

Round 1: No. 14
Round 2: No. 45
Round 3: No. 80
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7

Good drafts are suitable

East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr.

Why is he? The Colts had better expectations on cornerbacks last season, but still could use help. Revel is suitable for minors that require organizers. Maybe it can be solved in the middle round.

Anthony Richardson leaps in offseason

Frankly, it will be hard to track and we know it's reality until the Olympics really begin. However, we will be based on how Indianapolis approaches the internal confidence of the franchise in the offseason. I hope the Colts will increase their competition to a certain extent. The Colts have a lot of talent in the catch room, but they need a steady quarterback game to maximize their abilities. - Matt Harmon