The Indianapolis Colts are coming into the offseason with over $40 million in projected cap space and the team could be active in adding talent for Andrew Luck, as players like DeMarco Murray, Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore, Pierre Thomas and Jeremy Maclin are potential options on offense and this comes as running back Trent Richardson could get released after his suspension.
The Colts are coming off of a strong season after making it to the AFC championship game and losing to the Patriots and now they will be expecting to contend for a Super Bowl. Luck comes in after having his best season and he could use some more help on offense at running back, as the team finished the year with Richardson off the field. Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent and Richardson's future is up in the air after losing his starting job and getting suspended last season.
Pierre Thomas was just released by the Saints, according to Adam Schefter at ESPN and he could be a potential target for the Colts. DeMarco Murray is the top running back on the free agent market and if the Cowboys let him go, the Colts have the cap space to make a solid offer. CBS Sports reports that if Adrian Peterson doesn't play for the Vikings, landing spots could be in Arizona, Indianapolis or Dallas. The Colts could be interested if Peterson is released, while Frank Gore is another name on the free agent market.
Gore could be out in free agency for the 49ers, as he reportedly wants at least $4 million per season, according to CSN Bay Area. Mark Ingram is another free agent and he could be on his way out of New Orleans, as the team has a very tough cap situation and likely will not be active in free agency. Reggie Bush, CJ Spiller, Shane Vereen and Thomas could be options, as all of those players are solid out of the backfield as receivers and that is something the Colts did very well with Ahmad Bradshaw last season before he was injured.
The Colts ranked 22nd in the league in rushing yards per game last season and that could lead them to be active in free agency and the draft at running back. Richardson has been mostly a disappointment since being acquired in a trade from the Browns, rushing for just over 900 yards in 29 games with the team. 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.
Gore is a solid option, as he is a veteran player and has been very consistent over the last decade for the 49ers, including last year when he once again was over 1000 yards. Last year Richardson had 519 yards rushing and three touchdowns and that came after he put up 563 yards and three TDs in 2013. Richardson was strong as a rookie after rushing for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns and he also added 51 catches for 367 yards. According to the Indianapolis Star, Richardson dealt with weight issues last season and was not consistent with his conditioning.
