Happy NFL legal tampering day to all that celebrate. 

Congratulations, if you are reading this, you have made it through the dead period of the NFL offseason and have arrived at the unofficial start of free agency. During this time, teams can speak to and negotiate contracts with free agents across the league today at noon Eastern Standard Time. 

In recent years, the Indianapolis Colts haven't been very active during the early stages of free agency, and last year, they essentially sat out of free agency altogether. This year, many are expecting a different mindset from the team as another failed season would likely lead to drastic shake-up from the front office, coaching staff, and roster. With the team able to begin the process of adding free agents, I thought it was a good time to share my official prediction for what the team will do in free agency, which involves some in-house re-signings, outside free agents, and even a trade. 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGhCeX-MG_v

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Colts Cap Space

The Colts currently have the 16th-most cap space in the NFL, with a little over $41 million, following their decision to release DT Raekwon Davis ahead of free agency. The team has multiple ways to pick up more space, and I have a few predictions on what they could do in that department. 

• Rework Braden Smith's contract from $19.75 million this year down to $10 million 
• Restructure DeForest Buckner's contract to open up $8 million
• Restructure Quenton Nelson's contract to open up $5 million

New Cap Space: $63.5 million (Would be 6th most in the NFL)

In-House Free Agent Signings

• Danny Pinter, C/G: 1 year, $2.5 million
• Mark Glowinski, G: 1 year, $2 million 
• Ashton Dulin, WR: 2 years, $6 million 

Last year, the Colts retained every notable in-house free agent with new contracts. I don't see them taking this approach this time around. They have some notable players set to hit the market, but I think their needs elsewhere will lead to them allowing multiple players to join new teams. Their biggest departures will be their former second-round pick, Dayo Odeyingbo, and multi-year starter at guard Will Fries. 

Both players are expected to get large offers on the open market, and it seems increasingly likely that both will sign elsewhere and the Colts will move on. I'm predicting that they also let Ryan Kelly sign elsewhere, which would allow the Colts to start Tanor Bortolini at center and potentially Matt Goncalves at right guard. A young movement at the offensive line could work out great, or it could be a disaster, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. 

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Trades

• Send 2025 third-round pick and Juju Brents to the Bengals for Trey Hendrickson
• 3 year, $90 million 

Yeah, I know I'm sure you think I sound crazy optimistic now about the Colts' offseason. But sit back and at least hear me out before you check out. The Colts have multiple clear connections to Trey Hendrickson, which has led them to be linked to the 2024 NFL sack leader.

His former college head coach, Charlie Partridge, is now the team's defensive line coach, and his defensive coordinator over the past years with the Cincinnati Bengals is now in the same role in Indianapolis. The Colts tried to sign Danielle Hunter last offseason but weren't able to get it past the finish line and are now going to lose Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency, so I think they take an aggressive swing at Hendrickson and hope they can connect this time around. 

His asking price is expected to be steep, but I think the Colts can swing by being creative with the contract. They should give a high % of guarantees in the first two years and backload the cap hit into the third year of the contract, in which the team would have an out if Hendrickson's play begins to decline after the first two seasons. 

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Outside Free Agent Signings

• Paulson Adebo, CB, New Orleans Saints
• 3 year, $30 million
• Daniel Jones, QB, Minnesota Vikings
• 2 year, $15 million (incentives up to 20 total)
• Bobby Brown III, DT, Los Angeles Rams
• 2 year, $6 million
• Von Bell, S, Cincinnati Bengals
• 1 year, $1.5 million
• Fred Johnson, T/G, Philadelphia Eagles
• 2 year, 8 million 
• Isaiah Simmons, LB, New York Giants
• 1 year, 2 million 

After making the big trade and paying Hendrickson, the Colts use free agency to mostly go after reserves to fill out their roster and add depth at needed spots. Their biggest signing, though, is Saints corner Paulson Adebo, who is coming off a major injury but has shown fantastic ball skills and great speed for the position. He would be a great fit in Anarumo's defense and, I think, could be the level of CB the team targets on the market. 

After that, the team lands Daniel Jones to back up/compete with Anthony Richardson at QB and gives Anarumo another familiar face by signing veteran safety Von Bell, who would be a great mentor for a rookie the team would likely target early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Then round out the group with three underrated free agents that could end up outplaying their price tags with nose tackle Bobby Brown III, linebacker Isaiah Simmons, and a versatile Eagles reserve lineman in Fred Johnson. 

Leftover Cap Space: Roughly 10 million

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