The Colts’ season has reached the point where the free-agent conversation is less about keeping a core intact and more about sorting through what’s left after a defense-first reset. With half the regular season gone, Indianapolis is staring at a roster that could look very different once the changes start rolling in.
That’s especially true on the defensive side, where Lou Anarumo’s group hasn’t produced the turnaround the Colts were hoping for. Akeem Davis-Gaither, who serves as Anarumo’s green-dot player, looks like a short-term piece at best.
If the defensive coordinator is out, Davis-Gaither likely follows, and the Colts probably won’t feel much pain there. He’s not a bad player, but he also doesn’t bring a clear standout trait to the table, which is a problem for someone tasked with steering the middle of the defense.
If he’s gone, CJ Allen should finally get a chance to handle business in the middle of the second level.
Cam Taylor-Britt appears headed for the same exit path if Anarumo is moved on. He hasn’t played a heavy workload because Indianapolis has had a strong starting cornerback duo, but when he has been on the field, the results haven’t been encouraging.
The Colts have leaned on him in obvious run situations about half the time, which says plenty about where he fits right now. He’s useful in that role, but coverage has not been his strength, and it’s tough to imagine a long list of teams rushing to sign him.
Keenan Allen’s time in Indianapolis also looks like it’s running out. His addition didn’t do much to lift an offense that has struggled, though at this stage of his career it’s hard to pin the whole thing on him.
Even so, he has still led the team in production in recent years. Allen waited a long time for a new deal after the Los Angeles Chargers didn’t extend him early in the offseason, and barring a surprise, his next contract will be a one-day deal so he can retire with them.
Then there’s Spencer Shrader, which says plenty about how far this season has slipped. When your kicker shows up on the list of top free agents, that’s a sign things have gone sideways.
Shrader won the kicking job after an impressive training camp and preseason, and while the last couple of weeks have been uneven, the Colts can’t pin the season’s problems on one specialist. He should be back next year.
In Other News...
Colts Suddenly Have A Daniel Jones Decision Fans Cant Ignore
Daniel Jones has become a name to watch in Indianapolis as the NFL trade deadline approaches, with multiple reports indicating the Colts have fielded inquiries about the quarterback and are at least open to hearing what might be out there. It is a notable turn for a player whose fit and production have already been under scrutiny, and the situation now adds another layer of uncertainty to a quarterback room that seemed headed for a quieter stretch.
Jones is also said to be interested in a change of scenery, which only sharpens the intrigue around what happens next. The Vikings have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, and the connection makes some sense given Joness familiarity with their offensive scheme, but the real question is whether the Colts decide the timing is right to move on before the deadline closes the door. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Offensive Uncertainty Could Change Everything For Colts Defense
The Cowboys added some extra depth on the eve of their Week 9 matchup with the Colts, elevating wide receiver Jordan Hudson and tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad. It is a clear sign Dallas is bracing for some uncertainty on offense, with injury questions hanging over the receiver and tight end groups as the game approaches.
For Indianapolis, the timing matters because the Colts defense has spent the week preparing for a Dallas attack that may not look exactly the way it usually does. The roster moves do not settle who will actually be available, but they do suggest the Cowboys want insurance in place, and that leaves the Colts waiting to see how much the matchup shifts once the final injury picture comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Fans Should Be Bracing For A Stunning Sauce Gardner Twist
The Colts are heading toward the trade deadline with the kind of uncertainty that usually signals a bigger reset is coming. After a disappointing start, Indianapolis is reportedly preparing to make several moves, and cornerback Sauce Gardner is at the center of the conversation despite the fact that he was brought in as a major long-term piece and signed to a record deal just last year.
Gardners name alone would have made this a surprise, but the contract situation makes it even more complicated for the Colts. Any team interested in dealing for him would have to absorb a massive commitment, which is why this is not the kind of move that happens easily even when a front office is willing to listen. Still, with the deadline approaching and Indianapolis looking at its options, this is one storyline Colts fans will want to watch closely. [Read more 🡒]