An overview of the Indianapolis Colts 2024 NFL offseason centers on Anthony Richardson.

 

Despite losing starting quarterback Anthony Richardson to a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5, the Colts managed to stay in the hunt the entire regular season, in part because of backup quarterback Gardner Minshew’s reliable play. When they lost to the Houston Texans in what was effectively a playoff game in Week 18, they were unable to advance to the postseason.

In the hopes that Richardson stays healthy and lives up to the investment Indianapolis made in him with the No. 4 choice in the previous draft, the focus of the offseason will be on constructing around him. Not many football players possess Richardson’s physical upside. First and foremost, assembling the best team to support him in realizing his potential.Pittman plans to play in Indianapolis the next season, either through a new contract or the franchise tag. The Colts have made it clear that they want to re-sign their top receiver, who has flourished over the course of four NFL seasons, in spite of his lack of reliable quarterback performance. Richardson’s primary weapon is this.

The Colts would be wise to do their hardest to get Moore back to a secondary that needs assistance, but everyone else in this room is secondary. Minshew has once again demonstrated his worth, but he will ask for more than the $3.5 million discount rate from the previous season.The Colts may decide to add wide receiver depth to their group, which already features Josh Downs, a talented second-year receiver, even with Pittman’s anticipated return. Here, the more weaponry, the better. Defense-wise, a secondary that had trouble in 2024 would lose Moore, its most seasoned cornerback. Safety and getting help at cornerback will come first. Thus, we could lose Stewart and improve a defensive line on a team that finished 24th against the run.Buckner is still performing at a high caliber. He recorded eight sacks last season on his way to being named to the Pro Bowl. In addition, he will soon turn thirty and will have a $22.8 million cap hit in 2024. With a $5.9 million cap charge, backup tight end Alie-Cox is the eighth-highest player on the squad.

DeJean is athletic and skilled enough to play excellent coverage in the NFL. If the Colts select him, he might be available because he clearly fills a need. DeJean would be a welcome addition to the Colts with selection No. 15.

Despite losing Anthony Richardson in Week 5, the Colts scored more points per game on average in 2023 than the Chiefs, the Super Bowl winners.The Eagles regressed significantly this season without Shane Steichen, demonstrating his ability to lead an attack, and fantasy managers adore his quickness. It would be shocking if the Colts didn’t re-sign Michael Pittman Jr., who finished in the top-10 in targets the previous season and is an unrestricted free agent (Josh Downs would receive a major boost if not). Zack Moss is another undrafted free agent who, given his 2023 performance, should be able to command a nice salary and a bigger role. In any case, Jonathan Taylor is a top-12 overall choice who will serve as Indianapolis’ workhorse in 2024. After leading the league in fantasy points per dropback by a wide margin in his first season, Richardson is allegedly ahead of schedule and already throwing, and he should be selected as one of the top five quarterbacks in the draft.Dalton De Don