The Indianapolis Colts have the money to be active in free agency this offseason and they could look at Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore, DeMarco Murray, Justin Forsett, CJ Spiller, Mark Ingram and Ryan Mathews as potential options for Andrew Luck, as Trent Richardson could be released after his suspension and Ahmad Bradshaw is not expected back once he becomes a free agent.
Andrew Luck has developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he has now taken his team to the playoffs for three straight seasons. The biggest issue for the Colts on offense last year was the rushing attack and with Trent Richardson turning out to be a major disappointment, the Colts could make major moves at the position. According to ESPN.com, the Colts are keeping all their options open at the running back position and Mike Wells writes that they could look at the draft or free agency for options.
Peterson has been mentioned as a potential target, as the St. Paul Pioneer Press spoke with Peterson's father, who mentioned that he heard "rumors" about the Arizona Cardinals, Colts and Cowboys as options for his son. Peterson's status is still up in the air and he could potentially return to the Vikings, but right now it looks as if he will be playing elsewhere. Peterson is making $12.75 million for this season and while he has a $15 million cap hit, the Colts actually could afford to take that on if he is not released.
The Colts ranked 22nd in the league in rushing yards per game last season and first in passing yards and Indy is hoping to get more consistent in 2015. Richardson may not return, as he was suspended for two games and could have his contract voided. The team was on the hook for over $3 million on his deal, but that is up in the air now. According to the Indianapolis Star, Richardson dealt with weight issues last season and was not effective on the field.
Richardson has been mostly a disappointment since being acquired in a trade from the Browns, rushing for less than 1000 yards overall in 29 games with the team. ESPN.com put together a list of potential options for the Colts on the free agent market, with Forsett, Gore, Murray, Ingram and Spiller as possibilities. The team likely will bring in multiple players and CBS Sports reports that the team has the cap space to chase Murray if they want. According to Over the Cap, the Colts could have more than $40 million in salary cap space.
NFL.com reports that Gore could be a target for the Colts, as he is asking for $4 million per season and could be allowed to walk by the 49ers. Forsett is coming off of a career year and he could leave Baltimore if the team can't compete with other contract offers. Peterson would be a huge move, but it's something that could happen if he doesn't want to take a pay cut from the Vikings. Ben Goessling at ESPN.com writes that the team likely will ask him to take one. The Colts have made progress over the past three years, moving through each round of the playoffs and winning division titles, finishing in the AFC championship with a loss to the Patriots this past season.
