The Indianapolis Colts are trying to build off the momentum that has risen over the past few seasons. With Andrew Luck playing like one of the next-best quarterbacks, the team is looking to bring in a few big names in free agency to hopefully push them into the later rounds of the NFL Playoffs. As the team prepares to give Luck a massive contract extension, they could be bringing on a few other big deals as well.
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the Colts are suitors for DeMarco Murray as the running back is expected to leave the Dallas Cowboys. Murray is ready to get his money now after he led the league in rushing yards. After negotiations soured with the Cowboys, he is hitting the market as the best-available back. The Colts are ideally one of the best fits for the running back despite their pass-happy offense.
ESPN is reporting that the Colts are unhappy with Trent Richardson and the relationship could be ending sooner than expected. Richardson's time in Indianapolis has certainly been a rocky one that ended 2014 on a bad note with a team suspension. The Colts have yet to announce exactly their intentions with Richardson, but they need a running back upgrade regardless. Murray could be that back that gets the team through another round in the playoffs after he put up 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. The Colts need a running back regardless. Getting Murray would simply make them immediate Super Bowl contenders.
One running back the Colts are not looking at is Adrian Peterson. According to Peterson's father, he heard the Colts were interested in acquiring the running back, but the Indianapolis Star is reporting that is not the case. The Colts could have interest if Peterson is released by the Minnesota Vikings, but they are not interested in giving up a lot in a trade for a running back. They did that once with Richardson and so far it has been a swing and a miss.
Another free agent the Colts could target is Ndamukong Suh who did not get hit with the franchise tag from the Detroit Lions. Demanding to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league, Suh is not cheap and could be a cap killer. With Jim Irsay, no free agent is out of the question considering how relentless they are with contracts. There is no doubt the Colts would like a defensive cornerstone like Suh, but his contract demands might turn the team away. However, the star power would be welcomed.
The Colts will make Luck's contract a priority along with getting another wide receiver in the mix as Reggie Wayne is uncertain what his future looks like. Add in an upgrade at the running back spot and a top defensive star and the Colts will be a major threat in 2015.
