The Indianapolis Colts could be one of the top active teams in the 2015 offseason, as they have some money to spend on free agents for Andrew Luck and names like Jeremy Maclin, Julius Thomas or Torrey Smith could be options, while the team may look at a Trent Richardson trade or his release following his suspension last season.
The Colts made major progress this season and made it to the AFC championship before losing to the Patriots and now they will be looking to take another step in 2015. Andrew Luck has developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the league and now Ryan Grigson has the chance to spend this offseason to get him more weapons. The rushing attack was not good enough last year and the team could use some more depth behind TY Hilton, especially if Reggie Wayne decides to retire or sign elsewhere, as he is a free agent.
The team also can make a move with Trent Richardson, as he was suspended at the end of last season and now could be released or traded at some point. According to ESPN.com, Richardson was suspended for the playoffs game against the Patriots and would have been suspended for the Super Bowl if the Colts made it. Richardson now is suspended for the first week of 2015 and according to ESPN.com, the suspension makes his $3.18 million base salary for the season non-guaranteed.
The Colts traded a first round pick for Richardson and he has been a disappointment since coming over, losing his starting job in 2013 to Donald Brown and in 2014 to Dan Herron. The Dolphins could be an option for Richardson if he is traded or released, as the team is losing Knowshon Moreno and Daniel Thomas to free agency and could look at some options at running back. Richardson rushed for just 519 yards last season in 15 games and in 29 games with the Colts he has not rushed for 100-yards in any single game and has just 977 yards in that time.
The team is projected to have about $25 million in salary cap space according to CBS Sports, but they could free up more by releasing some players or giving Luck and extension. Grigson has the chance to make some nice moves this offseason, as the free agent market has some solid names like Julius Thomas, Jeremy Maclin, Cecil Shorts and even DeMarco Murray could be targets. CBS Sports writes that while Murray signing with the Colts isn't likely, they have a need at RB and the money to spend on him.
Maclin or Thomas also could be potential options, as the team needs some more depth in the passing game. Hilton is a star, but adding someone like Maclin could be huge for Luck. Maclin is coming into the offseason after a bounce back year in 2014, as he was injured and missed all of 2013. Last season Maclin set career highs with 85 catches for 1318 yards and 10 touchdowns and while he may return to Philly, he could be a target for a number of teams on the market.
