Free agency can be hit or miss for teams willing to spend money. The Colts have seen its share of terrible free agency signings in the past couple of decades but plenty of good ones as well.
In no order, here are some of the best Indianapolis Colts free agency signings since 2010:
Related: [Indianapolis Colts’ Biggest Draft Disappointments Since 2010]
D’Qwell Jackson (LB, 2014-2016)
Sometimes I forget how good D’Qwell Jackson was for the Colts.
Coming from the football graveyard known as Cleveland, fans were hoping he could command the defense like Gary Brackett before him. But being 33 at the time of signing him, fans were worried that we just gave a four-year deal worth $22 million to an over-the-hill linebacker.
But for a year or two, this dude was a beast.
In his three years in Indy, Jackson racked up 366 tackles and lead the team in that category for his first two years. He was a 2-time winner of AFC Player of the Week and an alternate for the 2014 Pro Bowl.
However, Jackson’s play on the field quickly declined by 2016. In December of that year, he was suspended for 4 games for violating the NFL policy on performing-enhancing substances. Shortly after in February of 2017 he was released by the team.
Frank Gore (HB, 2015-2017)
After already having a stellar career with the 49ers, the Colts thought they could get a little more production from the aging back.
Signing for three years worth $12 million with $7 million guaranteed, Gore played and started every game for the Colts.
In his three years in Indy, Gore racked up nearly 3,000 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Highlighted by the 2016 season where he rushed for 1000 plus yards for the final time of his career.
Great production for a 30-plus-year-old running back.
Eric Ebron (TE, 2018-2019)
Ebron was a bonafide bust in his four years in Detroit.
So when we signed him in 2018, we didn’t expect he would give us Pro-Bowl level production.
Although he was only in Indy for two years, his 2018 season alone was worth it. Having a career year with 750 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
However, it turned south the next year.
Ebron wasn’t having the same success in 2019 as he was in 2018, blaming a lack of targets. And after having a season-ending surgery midway through the season, the Colts make it clear he wouldn’t be returning.
Ultimately signing with the Steelers in the offseason.
