There are still two months before free agency starts, but the Indianapolis Colts should be in the market to find some help at several positions.
Even though we know general manager Chris Ballard doesn’t use free agency as the main tool to build the roster, there are some options set to hit the market that are worthy of him tweaking his philosophy. Among them is Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Jones is set to be a free agent when the new league year begins and Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic predicted the Colts will be the one to bring in the disruptive three-technique.
20. Chris Jones has a Za’Darius Smith-like impact … for the Colts
The Super Bowl 54 box score shows one tackle, no sacks and no quarterback hits for Jones. That serves as a great reminder of why we have to actually watch the games. Jones was terrific for the Chiefs, providing consistent pressure up the middle and batting down three passes by Jimmy Garoppolo. He told reporters after the game that he wants to be in Kansas City for a long time, but he will be a free agent and he should be looking for a huge payday. He’ll be just 26 at the start of next season and has had 31 sacks since 2017. It’s entirely possible the Chiefs use the franchise tag on Jones, but if the two sides can’t come to an agreement, perhaps that leads to a tag and trade. The Athletic’s Stephen Holder advised Colts fans not to get their hopes up, but Jones could be the type of young impact player Indianapolis looks to splurge on. Smith had a huge impact as a free-agent signing for the Packers. Jones might be able to do the same for the Colts.
Ballard likely isn’t going to move on from his frugal spending in free agency. It’s just not how he operates. But if they get the chance to sign Jones, they need to do so in an urgent manner.
The three-technique was a disaster for the Colts in 2019. Denico Autry couldn’t find the same success as the season prior and Tyquan Lewis simply can’t get on the field.
But Jones can have an incredible impact for years to come in the middle of the defensive line, an area that Ballard believes is the engine of the entire defense.
We don’t yet know what free agency will hold. The Colts might not even get the chance to go after Jones.
But if he’s available, he could have an immediate impact where the Colts need it most.