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5 Bold Predictions For Indianapolis Colts’ 2016 Offseason

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The Indianapolis Colts performed well below preseason expectations in 2015. The team dealt with numerous personnel problems and unnecessary front office distractions. Now, the Colts are hoping to put the 2015 season behind them by focusing on a successful 2016 campaign. As a result, the Colts will making a few overhauls to the roster this offseason.

5. Jerrell Freeman and Other Veterans Will Not Be Back

Jerrell Freeman and Other Veterans Will Not Be Back Getty Images
The Colts need to get younger and faster. As a result, the team will most likely let their pending free agents like Jerrell Freeman and Dwight Lowery leave this offseason. The Colts will also discuss the idea of releasing longtime NFL veterans like Trent Cole and Andre Johnson to save cap space and open up spots for younger free agents. Player departures are never easy, but the Colts have to get young if they want to reach the Super Bowl in the future.

The Colts need to get younger and faster. As a result, the team will most likely let their pending free agents like Jerrell Freeman and Dwight Lowery leave this offseason. The Colts will also discuss the idea of releasing longtime NFL veterans like Trent Cole and Andre Johnson to save cap space and open up spots for younger free agents. Player departures are never easy, but the Colts have to get young if they want to reach the Super Bowl in the future.

4. Team Uses 1st Round Pick to Fill a Position of Need

Team Uses 1st Round Pick to Fill a Position of Need Getty Images
Normally, this would not be an issue for most NFL franchises. However, Colts’ general manager Ryan Grigson failed to do this in 2015 draft. Rather than pick one of the available offensive linemen with their first pick, Grigson decided to take a wide receiver. The strategy of reaching for talent over taking a position need backfired in 2016. Hopefully, the Colts do not make this mistake in 2016.

Normally, this would not be an issue for most NFL franchises. However, Colts’ general manager Ryan Grigson failed to do this in 2015 draft. Rather than pick one of the available offensive linemen with their first pick, Grigson decided to take a wide receiver. The strategy of reaching for talent over taking a position need backfired in 2016. Hopefully, the Colts do not make this mistake in 2016.

3. Defense Makes Upgrades at Outside Linebacker Position

Defense Makes Upgrades at Outside Linebacker Position Getty Images
Whether it is through the draft or free agency, the Colts need faster and younger outside linebackers. The Trent Cole experiment did not work, and a 34-year-old Robert Mathis was the only effective pass rusher the Colts had. The Colts will have an opportunity to pick from a plethora of free agents and draft prospects at outside linebacker. Hopefully, the front office chooses wisely.

Whether it is through the draft or free agency, the Colts need faster and younger outside linebackers. The Trent Cole experiment did not work, and a 34-year-old Robert Mathis was the only effective pass rusher the Colts had. The Colts will have an opportunity to pick from a plethora of free agents and draft prospects at outside linebacker. Hopefully, the front office chooses wisely.

2. Teams Adds Young Linemen to Compete for Starting Spots

Teams Adds Young Linemen to Compete for Starting Spots Getty Images
After witnessing the Colts’ quarterbacks take a beating of a lifetime in 2015, Ryan Grigson might have finally realized he can no longer ignore the Colts’ offensive line woes. The Colts could definitely improve some spots on their offensive line. Guard Hugh Thornton and tackle Joe Reitz are decent, but the Colts could definitely find upgrades this offseason. The Colts will bring in young offensive linemen to compete for those spots.

After witnessing the Colts’ quarterbacks take a beating of a lifetime in 2015, Ryan Grigson might have finally realized he can no longer ignore the Colts’ offensive line woes. The Colts could definitely improve some spots on their offensive line. Guard Hugh Thornton and tackle Joe Reitz are decent, but the Colts could definitely find upgrades this offseason. The Colts will bring in young offensive linemen to compete for those spots.

1. Andrew Luck Will Sign an Extension Worth More Than $100 Million

Andrew Luck Will Sign an Extension Worth More Than $100 Million Getty Images
While Luck is on contract for the 2016 season, the Colts want to be proactive and get their franchise quarterback signed to an extension. Owner Jim Irsay has been very clear about giving Luck an extension worth over $100 million. However, contract negotiations are never easy. Fortunately, the Colts and Luck seem committed about getting a deal done before the 2016 season. As a result, there is a strong possibility this deal gets done with minimal drama.

While Luck is on contract for the 2016 season, the Colts want to be proactive and get their franchise quarterback signed to an extension. Owner Jim Irsay has been very clear about giving Luck an extension worth over $100 million. However, contract negotiations are never easy. Fortunately, the Colts and Luck seem committed about getting a deal done before the 2016 season. As a result, there is a strong possibility this deal gets done with minimal drama.

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