As we ready for the post-lockout free-agency frenzy, which begins today, the Colts should have an easier time than most in getting things done.
They historically don’t spend big on big open-market names, and that’s unlikely to change with vice president and general manager Chris Polian running the show.
Besides, the Colts don’t have a whole lot of money under the $120.4 million salary cap to spend. And quarterback Peyton Manning is expected to become the highest-paid player in the league despite having offseason neck surgery that might prevent him from taking part in some or all of training camp.
There is no danger of Manning playing elsewhere this season – the Colts gave him the franchise tag before the lockout began – but the contract he eventually signs will set the tone for how the Colts proceed elsewhere.
Whom should the Colts re-sign, in order of priority?
Melvin Bullitt: The Colts have parted with star safety Bob Sanders – now in San Diego – and while it leaves a void in talent, we won’t have to constantly wonder whether Sanders will be too injured to play. His backup, Bullitt, 26, who has 132 solo tackles in his last 33 games, played at nearly a Pro Bowl level in 2008 and 2009 before missing most of last season with a shoulder injury. That would be a bigger concern if the Colts weren’t so thin in the secondary; Antoine Bethea is the only safety with experience.
Joseph Addai: Despite missing half of last season with a shoulder injury, Addai, 28, bolstered his worth by increasing his yards per carry to 4.3 from 3.8 in 2009. He also is a good fit in the Colts’ system – blocks well, catches well, knows the signature stretch play – and the 29th-ranked rushing attack needs someone familiar with the offense.
Clint Session: Although most analysts have Session, 26, valued less, the Colts should recognize he is their best run-stopping linebacker – he had 103 tackles in 2009 – though he missed most of last season with an elbow injury. The Colts ranked 25th against the rush last year and need Session’s hard hits.
Adam Vinatieri: If the Colts were finished with Vinatieri, 38, who made 26 of 28 field-goal attempts last year, they would have drafted a replacement.
Whom does that leave out?
It may seem odd the Colts would let left tackle Charlie Johnson, who protected Manning’s backside, walk in free agency. But he will probably be able to make more money elsewhere, especially since the Colts used their first two draft picks on offensive linemen Anthony Castonzo of Boston College and Ben Ijalana of Villanova.
Offensive lineman Kyle DeVan could also be a casualty of economics.
And although the Colts’ defensive line made some strides last year, the team will probably be able to hang on to only one of three tackles: Dan Muir, Antonio Johnson or Eric Foster.
Will the Colts import anyone?
Although it’s nice to dream about Oakland star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha or New England guard Logan Mankins, there’s no way the Colts would spend like that.
There should be some affordable safeties out there, such as the Jets’ Brodney Pool or Buffalo’s Donte Whitner. And New Orleans’ Reggie Bush, if he’s available, would be worth a look as a pass-catching running back and special teams ace.
Seattle defensive tackle Brandon Mebane or the Giants’ Barry Cofield would also fit, but the Colts probably won’t have enough money under the cap to go after anyone big externally.
