The Indianapolis Colts have nine unrestricted free agents, which means new general manager Chris Ballard has nine players he must decide whether to re-sign. Some of the decisions will be easier than others.
@MikeWellsNFL are the any FAs that you think now have a better chance of being resigned with Ballard wanting to keep their own? #coltsmail
— Michael Owen (@MichaelOwen__) February 3, 2017
Mike Wells: You have to believe age will be a factor in which free agents Ballard wants to keep, especially after hearing his comments about wanting to develop their own players through the draft.
Tight end Jack Doyle is the type of player I can see Ballard looking to re-sign because he’s only 26, and you argue he was the Colts’ best tight end in 2016. Doyle’s blocking skills were already pretty well documented, but he showed off his pass-catching skills with 59 receptions for 584 yards and five touchdowns. He had winning touchdown catches at Tennessee in October and against Jacksonville in the regular-season finale.
Running backs Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman are interesting for different reasons. The 27-year-old Turbin was a key contributor on third down (eight total touchdowns), and starter Frank Gore, who turns 34 in May, isn't getting any younger. The soon-to-be 27 Todman, meanwhile, is an explosive kick returner.
It’s on defense where Ballard might have to make some tough decisions.
Safety Mike Adams, cornerback Darius Butler and linebacker Erik Walden were all key players in 2016; all are over 30, with Adams, the backbone of the secondary, to turn 36 in March. There are questions on whether T.J. Green is ready to become an every-down starter at safety alongside Clayton Geathers. The Colts could re-sign Butler and have him make the transition from cornerback to safety to ease some of Green’s workload.
Walden had a career-high 11 sacks last season, but you have to wonder how much the Colts are willing to pay the 31-year-old, particularly if another team comes in with an offer that appears to be too high.