The Indianapolis Colts are coming off of another disappointing playoffs loss to the Patriots and now the team may look at players like DeMarco Murray, CJ Spiller, Jeremy Maclin, Cecil Shorts or Torrey Smith in free agency, as Andrew Luck needs some more support and this comes as Trent Richardson was benched in the postseason and could be released or moved in a trade this offseason.
The Colts have advanced into another round of the playoffs in each of the past three seasons and while they have continued to make progress, they need more to take the next step. According to CBS Sports, the Colts have the chance to make some moves this offseason, as they could have about $25 million in cap space depending on how much the salary cap rises. Colts general manager Ryan Grigson may have to work some pay cuts and releases to get more money, but the Colts will have some room to maneuver.
According to ESPN.com, Luck and the Colts are starting to talk about a new deal this offseason that could make him the highest paid player in the NFL. Luck came into the league as a "can't miss" prospect and he has delivered on that, winning back to back division titles and taking his team to three playoffs appearances in three seasons. Luck had his best statistical season this year, but the team needs more weapons on offense, especially in the rushing game.
The team thought they took care of that with a trade for Trent Richardson, but so far that has not worked out for the Colts. Richardson was the third overall pick behind Luck in 2012 and the Colts traded a first round pick for him to the Browns and so far he has been a disappointment. Richardson was not active for the divisional round playoff game for the Colts and he later did not play against the Patriots for personal reasons. Richardson has rushed for less than 1100 yards in two seasons with the Colts and he has scored just six touchdowns in that time, compared to 11 his rookie season with the Browns.
Reggie Wayne is the biggest name hitting the market and he said he still has not decided about the future, while Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw are also significant names into free agency. Bradshaw was having a great season before getting injured and that has always been his biggest issue and now the Colts may let him go. Bradshaw has been solid for the team when healthy, but he missed a chunk of time this year and now could be moving on.
CBS Sports writes that DeMarco Murray actually could be an option for the Colts, as what he is expected to get in free agency would fit the salary cap for the team. Luck needs some more help in the rushing game and players like Murray, Spiller or Mark Ingram could be potential additions in free agency. With Hakeem Nicks hitting free agency and Wayne's future unclear, Jeremy Maclin also could be a target. Maclin is coming off of a strong season with the Eagles, while Spiller and Ingram are free agents after dealing with injuries in 2014.