The Indianapolis Colts have their quarterback of the near future in Carson Wentz and now must find ways to build around him in order to ensure his success under Frank Reich.
Part of that can come through free agency, where the Colts are projected to have roughly $43 million in salary-cap space after taking on Wentz’s contract. With extensions coming up, it will be hard to see an all-out assault on the market, but we’ve seen weirder things in the league.
Spotrac made their predictions for the majority of free agents set to hit the market. They had the Colts splurging on a massive contract for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin, signing him to a five-year, $90 million contract.
The age, production, intangibles, and skillset are all extremely favorable for Godwin, which almost always means that someone overpays to pull him out of his current situation.
BEST GUESS: Indianapolis
As much fun as Godwin would be in Indy, it’s hard to see the Colts dishing out this big of a contract. Chris Ballard tends to not sign players during the first wave of free agency because of contracts like this one. As great of a talent as Godwin is, dishing out $18 million per year for a wide receiver might not be in the cards for Indy.
On top of the projected Godwin signing, the Colts added edge rusher Melvin Ingram to the exact same contract they signed Justin Houston to in 2019, coming out to two years for $24 million.
While the price may be right for the Chargers to keep him, Ingram should draw interest from legitimate contenders in 2021, with teams like Buffalo, Indy, & the Packers all in the mix.
BEST GUESS: Indianapolis
Signing two players with average combined salaries of $30 million would set the Colts back a bit, making it hard for them to extend their own—something that is much more likely to happen than a splurge in free agency.
Spotrac also predicted the Colts would re-sign cornerback Xavier Rhodes to a three-year deal worth $21 million.
He was one of the best values in the secondary for 2020, and a significant pay raise is coming. He’ll need depth and security around him to stay healthy and productive at this stage of his career.
BEST GUESS: Indianapolis
In a world where the Colts wouldn’t have any extensions to pay this offseason, this might not be as bold of a prediction. But it’s hard to see Ballard ponying up $37 million in cap space in 2021 on three players that aren’t their own.
Free agency can’t get here soon enough.
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