NFL analyst Matt Bowen of ESPN recently went through and assigned “best team fits” for his top 50 available free agents this offseason. Included on that list was Indianapolis Colts’ free agent guard, Will Fries.
So who did Bowen select as a best fit for Fries? The Indianapolis Colts, of course.
“He has a fundamentally sound play style, the lower-body mobility to handle power rushers and an ability to sustain blocks on contact,” wrote Bowen. “And the Colts need reliable pass protectors in front of Anthony Richardson.”
Roster turnover to a degree will be good for the Colts this offseason as GM Chris Ballard emphasizes bringing in competition.
However, re-signing Fries should be a top priority. Before his season-ending injury, Fries ranked fourth in PFF’s run-blocking grade and was 10th in pass-blocking grade.
Without him back, offensive line becomes a major need for the Colts with only Dalton Tucker, Josh Sills, and Atonio Mafi as starting right guard options currently on the roster.
Retaining Fries is going to cost the Colts, however. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler would report recently that Fries will “attract serious interest” in free agency. We also saw the guard market really take off last offseason.
Pro Football Focus is currently projecting that Fries lands a four-year deal worth $57.25 million in free agency, with $30 million guaranteed. That breaks down to an average annual value of $14.31 million.
Bowen also named the Colts as a best fit for a well-known free agent linebacker.