The Indianapolis Colts are finalizing the big board as the 2024 NFL draft quickly approaches this week, but what does the market in free agency look like?
It's unlikely the Colts are going to make a move in free agency with the draft so close. Still, it's a good idea to know who is on the market for when the Colts come out of the draft weekend.
Thanks to the two-year contract extension from DeForest Buckner, the Colts have roughly $24.77 million in effective salary-cap space entering the draft, according to Over The Cap. That ranks seventh in the NFL.
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Best remaining free agents for Colts entering NFL draft
S Justin Simmons
The talented safety is still on the market likely waiting to see where his market lands following the draft. The Colts re-signed Julian Blackmon, but they could still afford to add some talent to the safety room.
S Quandre Diggs
The former Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions safety is still on the market. Again, the Colts re-signed Blackmon to a one-year deal, but Diggs is still talented enough to make a solid impact in the safety room.
CB Stephon Gilmore
A reunion with Gilmore wouldn't be a bad idea even though the Colts could wind up using an early pick on a prospect at the cornerback position. Gilmore would provide a solid veteran presence in the Colts secondary just as he did in 2022.
EDGE Bud Dupree
If the Colts felt like adding another edge rusher to the rotation under new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, Dupree could be an option. He started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 and was tied for the team lead in sacks with 6.5.
S Marcus Maye
Though Maye has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, he could be another veteran option the Colts lean on for a one-year deal. The Colts would have to look past the injuries, though, as he's appeared in 23 games over the last three seasons.
OT Chris Hubbard
The offensive line for the Colts is essentially set, but Hubbard might be an intriguing option if they wanted to bring in some veteran competition for second-year swing tackle Blake Freeland, who had some struggles with consistency during his rookie campaign.
DT Calais Campbell
The massive defensive tackle is simply a disruption machine. Even at the age of 37 with the Falcons in 2023, Campbell still put together 6.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss. An interior defensive line with Campbell, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart would be lethal.
Other available free agents for the Colts
- CB Steven Nelson
- WR Odell Beckham Jr.
- WR Hunter Renfrow
- RB Ezekiel Elliott
- OT Charles Leno Jr.
- WR Michael Gallup
- CB Adoree' Jackson
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
