This season the Indianapolis Colts along with all teams in the NFL must make large roster cuts. This practice started during COVID-19 protocol, and differs from the gradual roster cuts of the past. Teams must drop a third of their roster, going from 80 to the final 53 players by August 30th. Practice squads will fill with future potential, but other players will try to find new teams.
Past Roster Cuts who Improved the Indianapolis Colts
Deep NFL teams, like the Buffalo Bills, cut players with potential. There is nothing wrong with these players. Simply, there is not enough room for them. While they didn’t make the cut, there is an opportunity for them to fight for a 53 man spot on another team. This could happen on a team with need at their position. Indianapolis Colts’ General Manager Chris Ballard is notoriously active in signing players of this type.
Kenny Moore II was claimed after roster cuts in 2017, and now he’s the best nickel cornerback in the NFL. That is a great waiver claim if you ask me. Defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad is another familiar Colt who was added by Ballard from the waivers.
Ballard isn’t afraid to pull the trigger on a deal that he believes will better his team. As always it has to be for the right price. Ballard has shown he likes to trade around the roster cut days as well. Most recently he traded for potential starting left tackle Matt Pryor in 2021. With question marks surrounding certain position groups Ballard will be looking into potential additions to the team.
Potential Roster Cuts that Improve the Indianapolis Colts
A good place to start is a familiar one. The first preseason game gave the Colts organization a good chance to look at their newly built roster. It also gave them a great look into the depth pieces of their opponent, the Buffalo Bills.
CB, Cam Lewis, Buffalo Bills
The Bills have their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy, Super Bowl or bust. They will be very selective and particular when it comes to roster cuts. With their incredible depth, at least a couple of solid players will become available.
Corner back Cam Lewis has been on most 53-man mock-rosters for the Bills throughout camp. But with the rise in stock of 6th round pick Christian Benford, the Bills may move in a younger direction away from Lewis.
Lewis could provide great depth at the cornerback position. He has the versatility to play in the slot and outside, giving him an edge on some Colts’ defensive backs.
IOL, Greg Van Roten, Buffalo Bills
Another position where the Bills have depth and the Colts do not, is the offensive line. The starters are still being decided on the line for the Colts, so of course the back up slots are up in the air as well. Offensive lineman Greg Van Roten may be on the outside looking in when it comes to Buffalo.
Roten could bring loads of experience to the offensive line room. He has played in over 400 snaps in each of the past four seasons. He has the versatility to plug into all three of the interior positions. With this he can easily find a place on the roster in Indianapolis.
WR, Anyone cut from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yes, finally addressing the “terrible” Wide receiver room, the quotes indication sarcasm here. Personally, I am waiting to see the group in action during the regular season before passing too much judgement. But it is always nice to make additions to better the team when possible.
The Buccaneers potentially have the deepest and most talented wide receiver room. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Julio Jones, and Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson are all proven weapons. While the latter two are on the bottom of the totem pole.
With new commers Jerreth Sterns and Jaelon Darden making splashes in camp, it is going to be hard to keep both Miller and Johnson. One or two of these receiver will not make the final roster, I’m sure the Colts, and many other teams will have their eye on this situation.
Additions May or May Not Happen
The addition of a couple solid players before or after roster cuts could solidify the weak spots of this Colts roster. They have the potential to be the difference maker that pushes the team over the top. Ballard is likely to make a move, but that isn’t a sure thing. He has a lot of faith in this current roster, and so do I.
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