Close Article Return to stream X
NFL •

5 Players Indianapolis Colts Must Target In 2016 NFL Free Agency

+Read full article
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts missed the postseason for the first time since 2011. This disappointing season is a wake-up call for everyone in the organization to fix the team’s problems quickly this offseason. Here are five players who the Colts must target in free agency to fix their problems.

5. RT Andre Smith

RT Andre Smith Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
While Joe Reitz proved he is a serviceable right tackle this season, the Colts are still looking to make upgrades at this position. With the Cincinnati Bengals having to pay a lot of their own players, veteran Andre Smith could be available during free agency. Smith is proven starter at the right tackle position. The Colts need stability on their offensive line, and Smith would definitely provide that if the Colts sign him.

While Joe Reitz proved he is a serviceable right tackle this season, the Colts are still looking to make upgrades at this position. With the Cincinnati Bengals having to pay a lot of their own players, veteran Andre Smith could be available during free agency. Smith is proven starter at the right tackle position. The Colts need stability on their offensive line, and Smith would definitely provide that if the Colts sign him.

4. RB Bilal Powell

RB Bilal Powell Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
With Frank Gore getting older, the Colts should look around for a young, established running back to back him up. Bilal Powell would fit this role perfectly. He averaged over seven yards per touch as the backup running back for the New York Jets this season. He ran the ball well and was an excellent receiver out of the backfield. The Colts should bring Powell to be backup for Gore and allow themselves to be more versatile on offense.

With Frank Gore getting older, the Colts should look around for a young, established running back to back him up. Bilal Powell would fit this role perfectly. He averaged over seven yards per touch as the backup running back for the New York Jets this season. He ran the ball well and was an excellent receiver out of the backfield. The Colts should bring Powell to be backup for Gore and allow themselves to be more versatile on offense.

3. G Alex Boone

G Alex Boone Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts desperately need another offensive guard because starting left guard Hugh Thornton is too inconsistent. Alex Boone is a viable target for the Colts to go after this season. He has battled against tough defensive linemen in the NFC West, and his toughness would be a welcomed addition to the Colts’ offensive line. With the San Francisco 49ers in disarray right now, Bone could be looking to take his talents somewhere else.

The Colts desperately need another offensive guard because starting left guard Hugh Thornton is too inconsistent. Alex Boone is a viable target for the Colts to go after this season. He has battled against tough defensive linemen in the NFC West, and his toughness would be a welcomed addition to the Colts’ offensive line. With the San Francisco 49ers in disarray right now, Bone could be looking to take his talents somewhere else.

2. CB Sean Smith

CB Sean Smith Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With Greg Toler most likely not coming back to the Colts in 2016, the team has a need for a starting cornerback. Sean Smith needs be one of the main targets for the Colts during free agency. He has been a productive starting cornerback his entire career, including the past three seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith will definitely help improve the Colts’ vulnerable pass defense.

With Greg Toler most likely not coming back to the Colts in 2016, the team has a need for a starting cornerback. Sean Smith needs be one of the main targets for the Colts during free agency. He has been a productive starting cornerback his entire career, including the past three seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith will definitely help improve the Colts’ vulnerable pass defense.

1. OLB Courtney Upshaw

OLB Courtney Upshaw Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
New Colts defensive coordinator Ted Monachino is looking for players who will perform well in his system. Previously, he was the linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Knowing this, the Colts should go after players he has coached, like Courtney Upshaw. At 26 years old, Upshaw has not missed a game in his NFL career and has all the tools to be an every-down outside linebacker. Upshaw would definitely be a wonderful addition to the Colts' defense, which desperately needs a younger outside linebacker.

New Colts defensive coordinator Ted Monachino is looking for players who will perform well in his system. Previously, he was the linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Knowing this, the Colts should go after players he has coached, like Courtney Upshaw. At 26 years old, Upshaw has not missed a game in his NFL career and has all the tools to be an every-down outside linebacker. Upshaw would definitely be a wonderful addition to the Colts' defense, which desperately needs a younger outside linebacker.

Kyle Nishida is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
Your Favorites