Hey there Colts’ fans! Here is my first look ahead to the 2025 Colts and the changes already underway, along with those yet to come.

COACHING STAFF: After a disappointing season of underachievement across the board, it was obvious that something had to give. The main casualty was defensive coordinator DC Gus Bradley who was let go after three mediocre seasons by the defense. Yes, they had some injuries, but the guys on the field seemed to be less productive than expectations, and the defenses were vanilla and vulnerable. The team hired former Bengals DC Lou Anarumo only a few weeks after he became available. Anarumo has had a tendency to blitz a lot more than Bradley, but not excessively; his teams have generally been in the middle of the pack in blitz rate, but Bradley’s defenses have always been among the least blitzing teams every season. While a depleted Bengals defense slumped down the stretch last season, for most of his 6 years there they were solid playmaking units, including some huge playoff performances wherein mid-game adjustments were massively successful (in-game adjustments were something Bradley definitely failed to do). Anarumo’s key asset is that he likes to disguise and change coverages a lot, leading to confusion for opposing offenses. This could lead to some more sacks and turnovers eventually, but mentally there will be a lot on the plates of the defense, especially for the secondary. Until they get the gist of the defensive variations, I would caution that the early-season learning curve for the Colts’ secondary could lead to some exposure and breakdowns which allow explosive plays and good offenses.

Among the other lower assistants, of particular note is native Hoosier and former Chuck Pagano assistant James Bettcher. He is returning to coach the linebackers and brings a lot of NFL experience. The former Cardinals defensive coordinator, he hopefully will help the defense focus on being better tacklers. This was an issue last season, and is something that Anarumo has also stressed in the past in his coaching style. Defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson also brings a ton of experience as both a player and a coach, having been to three Superbowls (2 player, 1 coach) in his 26 years in the NFL. He has also been a director of player development in his previous stops, so this implies he has related well with the players as a coach.

FREE AGENTS: Like most teams, the Colts have a lot of players set to hit free agency when it opens on March 10. The biggest area of concern is that the offensive line – long the strength of this team – is getting old and a lot of guys are not under contract as of a few weeks from now. Four guys that have played a lot of snaps and a lot of starts are all going to be free agents, starting with many-time ProBowler OC Ryan Kelly. Key veterans OG Mark Glowinski, OG Will Fries and versatile OL Danny Pinter are also with expiring deals. With the age and injuries in recent years, combined with the salary he will command, it would not surprise me to see them let Kelly walk unless he takes a significant hometown discount. Pinter and rookie OC Tanor Bortolini have played well enough to determine that the money could be spent elsewhere. I would not be surprised if the other three all return though. The serious late-season injury for Fries may reduce interest in him and make his return much more affordable.

Across the rest of the offense though, mostly backups are free agents, starting with both QB Joe Flacco and QB Sam Ehlinger. If Flacco wants to return, I think he will to serve as a stabilizing veteran presence on and off the field; I am still puzzled why Ehlinger has been kept around aside from his moxie which far exceeds his abilities. It would not surprise me to see Flacco retire though and the team need to address a reliable veteran backup in free agency. RB Trey Sermon was the primary backup to the workhorse Taylor, but he did not show enough to merit a lot of attention here or elsewhere. Backup WR Ashton Dulin is of great merit as a special teamer and seemed a bit miffed at not getting more love in his last contract. They likely will have to bump his pay a bit to keep him from walking, but I think it will be done. The two top tight ends are also going to be available, but the team has depth here and may be targeting an upgrade in the draft so I can’t see them overpaying for either. TE Kylen Granson is the more likely to return, and well-liked veteran Mo Alie-Cox might be on his way out.

On the other side of the ball, there are a few starters and key players that must be resigned, starting with leading tackler LB EJ Speed and playmaker S Julian Blackmon. Both of these are must-signs, and both will likely attract a lot of attention league-wide (especially Blackmon). S Ronnie Harrison was a great find last year and adds essential depth and veteran presence. LB Grant Stuard also was a versatile sub with some key moments on the field, and like Dulin is a very big part of the special teams and hopefully will be brought back to serve in both capacities. Among the front line, DE Dayo Odeyingbo has shown slow but steady improvement, and should return unless someone offers his stupid money to go elsewhere. Similarly (but lesser), depth guy DT Taven Bryan has been surprisingly impactful in limited snaps, so could be brought back at a low cost if he desires.

DRAFT: Many people in these early stages have predicted similar things for the Colts with their #14 overall selection this April. A lot of folks have them targeting Penn State superstar TE Tylor Warren there, which would make sense considering how much draft capital that Ballard has invested trying to find a tight end option. With the age and potential losses on the O-line, it would make sense to target a top interior lineman there as well, even though teams rarely spend a pick that high on those positions. In fact, the uncertainty (chronic knee issues and ambiguously being put on NFI/reserve list in December) about solid starter OT Braden Smith – along with his hefty price tag for 2025 - there might even be an immediate need at right tackle. Without a real good backup or a contingency plan for the future, I would also suspect that there will be a running back drafted fairly high to slot in behind the high-mileage Taylor. And finally, without a true shut-down corner on the roster, it would be a great idea to consider that if one of the best guys falls into their lap – especially a guy with some size as well. More on the draft as it gets nearer, and as the team’s needs become clearer due to free agency additions and subtractions.

That is all for this month from the Crossroads of America. I hope everyone is surviving the winter storms and the other natural disasters have been plaguing all corners of our country in recent months. BE safe!

End.