March is here and free agency is around the corner for Colt’s football. Free agency begins when the new league year kicks off on March 15. Colt’s football currently has 17 players set to enter the free agent market.
Free agency is a hectic time of year for the NFL. Players leave and sign with other teams. NFL teams lose players because of the structure of the salary cap. So, who are the Colt’s free agents?
Unrestricted Free Agents
Defensive end Ben Banogu: Banogu played in 16 games. Banogu primarily played on special teams. Banogu recorded 4 special teams tackles. There was a lot of hype built around Banogu when he was drafted. However, he has struggled to get snaps on the defensive line. Since 2019, Banogu has recorded 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. I think the Colts let him walk.
Cornerback Tony Brown: Brown was a key player on the Colt’s special teams. Brown played 302 special teams snaps. Brown didn’t see a lot of defensive snaps and could be let go.
Wide receiver Parris Campbell: Parris Campbell finally played a full season. Campbell shined in 2022 and recorded 63 catches, 623 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns. If Campbell was healthier at the beginning of the year the Colts wouldn’t have thought twice about paying him.
Defensive Tackle Byron Cowart: Cowart didn’t see a lot of defensive snaps. Cowart recorded 12 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. Indy might retain Cowart to bolster the depth on the defensive line.
Wide receiver Ashton Dulin: Dulin is a versatile piece on the Colt’s roster. Dulin plays on special teams and on offense. Dulin has made a couple of big plays for Indy’s offense. Dulin recorded 15 catches, 207 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. Dulin also recorded 5 special teams tackles. Dulin was named second-team All-Pro in special teams in 2021.
Cornerback Brandon Facyson: Facyson played with Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley in Las Vegas. Facyson started 4 games, recorded 28 tackles, and 6 pass breakups. Facyson was inconsistent in 2022 and the Colts will most likely let him walk.
Punter Matt Haack: Haack took over punting duties after Rigoberto Sanchez tore his Achilles. Haack recorded 70 punts and 28 of those punts were downed inside the 20-yard line. The Colts should keep Haack as a backup punter. Rigoberto Sanchez might not be ready to start the 2023 season.
Offensive Tackle Dennis Kelly: Kelly was a significant piece for the Colt’s offensive line. Indy’s offensive line used multiple combinations and played poorly in 2022. Kelly played 191 snaps at right tackle and 48 snaps at left tackle. General Manager Chris Ballard loves depth on the offensive line. Keeping Kelly is a no-brainer.
Defensive Lineman Tyquan Lewis: Lewis was having a strong season before suffering a ruptured patellar tendon injury. Lewis flashed on the defensive line. However, injuries have stalled his career. Lewis recorded a sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 4 quarterback hits.
Kicker Chase McLaughlin: McLaughlin was on the money during the 2022 season. McLaughlin was 30/36 on field goals. Indy needed help in the kicking department after releasing Rodrigo Blankenship.
Safety Rodney McLeod: McLeod played a key role in the Colt’s defense. McLeod recorded 96 tackles,2 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, and 8 tackles for loss.
Defensive End Yannick Ngakoue: Ngakoue led the Colt’s defense with 9.5 sacks. Ngakoue was one of the few bright spots on the Colt’s roster in 2022. The Colts would be smart to keep him to strengthen its defensive line.
Linebacker Bobby Okereke: Okereke has been a solid defender for the Colts. Okereke recorded 151 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 6 tackles for loss, and 5 pass breakups.
Offensive Guard/ Tackle Matt Pryor: Matt Pryor is a versatile offensive lineman. Pryor recorded 249 snaps at left tackle, 212 snaps at right guard, and 113 snaps at right tackle.
Linebacker E.J Speed: E.J Speed had to step up when Shaquille Leonard wasn’t available. Speed recorded 63 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, and 7 tackles for loss. Speed also recorded 6 special teams tackles.
Safety Armani Watts: Watts suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason. The Colts have done a good job finding safeties and Watts will probably walk.
Restricted Free Agent
Defensive End Khalid Kareem: Kareem played in 4 games, recorded 1 tackle, and 3 quarterback hits.
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