Surprise NFL cut candidates the Colts could sign post Training Camp
The Indianapolis Colts only signed two outside free agents this offseason. But if these surprise cut predictions from A to Z Sports "Potential surprise cut candidates for all 32 NFL teams ahead of training camp" piece come true, they could be great fits for the Colts roster. Three surprise NFL cut candidates the Colts could target after […]
The Indianapolis Colts only signed two outside free agents this offseason.
But if these surprise cut predictions from A to Z Sports "Potential surprise cut candidates for all 32 NFL teams ahead of training camp" piece come true, they could be great fits for the Colts roster.
Potential surprise cut candidates for all 32 NFL teams ahead of training camp
We're weeks away from NFL teams reporting to training camp and getting things ready to start the 2024 NFL season. With camp comes the opportunity to make a roster spot, but it also comes with the possibility that teams will be clearing some space for new players to take on bigger roles. That means there's […]
Three surprise NFL cut candidates the Colts could target after Training Camp
1. James Bradberry, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
"The Eagles didn’t hesitate to draft back to back corners in the 2024 NFL Draft in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean-. Now they have 15 of them heading into July training camp. That’s an obvious sign that the Eagles have little to no faith in Bradberry, who struggle last year. If he doesn’t have an eye-popping training camp and beat out these rookies, then don’t be surprised if the Eagles might let him go, even if if means eating some money."
– Kelsey Kramer A to Z Sports
When James Bradberry was released by the New York Giants in 2022, many wanted the Colts to pounce on the chance to sign the talented CB. In 2022, he showed why multiple teams were interested in adding him, but 2023 was a rough season for the veteran. As a result, the Eagles used their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. If his time with the Eagles, in fact, comes to an end, it could make a lot of sense for the Colts to be one of the first teams to give him a call. The Colts CB room is full of youth, and they could use an added veteran presence to pair with Kenny Moore II in terms of leading the group. Bradberry would be able to compete for a starting outside CB job, but he could also be a real asset for young CBs Juju Brents, Jaylon Jones, Jaylon Simpson, and Micah Abraham.
2. Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers
"It wasn't that long ago that Mitchell was bursting onto the scene as a rookie sixth-round pick in 2021, a season he ended as the 49ers' leading rusher, falling narrowly shy of 1,000 yards despite playing only 11 games due to injury. Unfortunately for Mitchell, injuries have continued to be a problem throughout his career and, with Christian McCaffrey now the undisputed workhorse of the backfield, he has been left fighting for very minimal carries.
When healthy, Mitchell has served as a nice complement to McCaffrey and scored the decisive touchdown in the 49ers' NFC Championship Game comeback against the Lions. However, with no guaranteed money remaining on the final year of his contract and San Francisco adding three running backs this offseason — including trading two fifth-round picks to move up for Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round of the draft — Mitchell could find himself in huge trouble if the new boys impress.
– Nicholas McGee A to Z Sports
The Colts successfully deployed a two-headed backfield last season with Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss. But Moss left the team in free agency to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals, and the team didn't add a RB to replace Moss' 2023 role in free agency or the NFL Draft. So, the team could certainly be heavily interested in the RB market if multiple solid options don't make their current rosters. One of those players is 49ers RB Elijah Mitchell. Mitchell nearly ran for 1,000 yards as a rookie in 2021, even though he only appeared in 11 games with 963 yards on only 207 rushing attempts. Since then, he's had to take the back seat to superstar RB Christian McCaffery. If the Colts are willing to give him a larger role than what he's seen in San Francisco the last two seasons it be a perfect way to fill Moss' production in 2023.
3. AJ Dillon, RB, Green Bay Packers
"The Packers didn't plan to keep Dillon this year in free agency, but his market was so slow that it allowed the team to bring him back on a four-year qualifying offer, an unusual CBA tool to get a player slightly above the minimum salary, when only counting the minimum against the cap. However, the Packers also signed Josh Jacobs in free agency and drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round. If the Packers get early indications that Lloyd can be fairly impactful right away, it might get difficult to find a roster spot for Dillon."
– Wendell Ferreira A to Z Sports
Another RB who could make sense for the Colts Packers RB AJ Dillon. Dillon is a bruiser-type runner who has been used mostly in short-yardage situations in Green Bay. Every time the Packers tried to give him a chance to take over the backfield as the starter, though, he's been lackluster, to say the least. The Packers added Josh Jacobs to replace Aaron Jones this offseason, and they drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round, so Dillon's roster spot certainly seems at risk. Keeping Jonathon Taylor healthy is going to be the main priority for the Colts' run game, and I think adding a bruiser like Dillon, who can take on the grunt that comes during short-yardage rushing attempts, would go a long way in keeping Taylor healthy for his signature home run ability.
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The Colts in 2024 could replicate a recent Super Bowl run by a fellow AFC team
The Indianapolis Colts are returning nearly their entire 2023 roster that saw a failed 4th down conversion take away their chance of being crowned the champions of the AFC South. And now Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated has named the Colts his "Dark Horse" team to make a Super Bowl run in 2024. Breer answered questions […]
