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5 Players Who Will Be Released By Indianapolis Colts in 2015 Offseason

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By @GregSulik

5 Players Who Will Be Released By Indianapolis Colts in 2015 Offseason

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The Indianapolis Colts took the next step by reaching the AFC Championship game this year, and the offseason will be about finding players who can push them over the hump and into the Super Bowl. The Colts are in good shape financially, but they have a mega-contract looming for Andrew Luck and must be careful where they spend their money. Sometimes addition by subtraction is necessary, and these are five players the Colts could release.

5. Cory Redding

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5. Cory Redding

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Redding has been a key player for the Colts over the last three seasons, but he is 34 years old and his contract is up. The Colts don't exactly have a wealth of young defensive linemen, but acquiring some is a top priority for them, and they will most likely be looking for Redding's replacement. It is time for Indy to go in a younger direction here.

4. Shaun Phillips

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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Shaun Phillips

shaun phillips colts
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts added Phillips midseason hoping he would boost the pass rush, but he recorded just seven tackles and no sacks in eight games with the team, including postseason. Phillips turns 34 this offseason and the Colts would save 2.65 million against the cap by releasing him, so this is a no-brainer.

3. Donald Thomas

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Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

3. Donald Thomas

donald thomas colts
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas is another no-brainer for the Colts, as the veteran guard has missed all but two games over the last two seasons. It's unfortunate how things have worked out for a player who was viewed as a key free agent signing in 2013, but it is time to move on. The Colts would save 3.2 million in cap space by releasing Thomas, making this a relatively easy decision.

2. Hakeem Nicks

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2. Hakeem Nicks

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Nicks was brought in as a high upside signing this year, but he recorded just 38 receptions for 405 yards and four touchdowns. With T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief set as the starting wide receivers for next year, Reggie Wayne possibly returning, and two quality tight ends, the Colts have more than enough weapons to let Nicks walk.

1. Trent Richardson

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1. Trent Richardson

trent richardson colts
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Things have gotten so bad with Richardson that he was deactivated during the playoffs, and this will go down as one of the worst trades in recent NFL history. The Colts are likely to re-sign Daniel Herron and Ahmad Bradshaw while adding a rookie running back, and they also have Vick Ballard returning from injury. It is time to cut their losses, and while releasing Richardson won't save them any money, but it will save them a lot of headaches.

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