Don deal: indeed is a good deal which indianapolis has signed again.
NFL free agency has begun, and with analysis from our NFL Nation writers and expert ratings, we’re keeping tabs on every significant signing, trade, and release of the 2024 offseason. Free agent signings can become official after the new league year kicks off on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. ESPN will air the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on April 25.
Below is a summary of every NFL free agent that the Indianapolis Colts signed in 2024 and an analysis of how each will affect the team’s following season:
Joe Flacco made NFL history by becoming the first player to record multiple passing touchdowns and 250 passing yards in each of his first five games with a new team after signing with the Browns. Getty Images/Gregory Shamus
QB Joe Flacco agreed to a one-year contract at a maximum of $8.7 million with guarantees of $4.5 million.
What it means: The Colts still regard their backup quarterback position, and this is as good a sign as any. Last season, when rookie starter Anthony Richardson missed 13 games due to injuries, backup Gardner Minshew had a chance to come in and lead Indianapolis to the verge of the postseason. This experience made them realize how important the role is. This week, Minshew signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, moving on. However, Flacco, who led the Browns to the postseason last season and was named Comeback Player of the Year, provides them with excellent leadership and mentoring qualities in addition to the ability to execute when necessary.
What’s at risk: It is erroneous to believe that Flacco will make things more difficult with Richardson. The Colts have made it clear who their quarterback of the future is, and they have no intention of letting 2024 get in the way of their plans. Conversely, on the other end of the spectrum, there can be some slight concern. If Flacco is required for a prolonged amount of time, remember that he is 39 years old and his enchantment may eventually wear off. He’s still a shrewd veteran, but at this point in his career, spot duty would be more appropriate for him than extended playing time.
Over the last three seasons, Michael Pittman Jr. has been the Colts’ most talented wide receiver and might play a major role in quarterback Anthony Richardson’s development. Icon Sportswire/Michael Allio
WR Michael Pittman Jr. is completing a three-year, $70 million contract extension.
What it means: With an average of 99 receptions and 1,053 receiving yards over the previous three seasons, Pittman was by far the Colts’ most skilled pass-catcher. The Colts don’t have many talented tight ends or receivers behind quarterback Anthony Richardson, thus Pittman’s continued employment is crucial to his success. Having a solid supporting group around Richardson has been a top objective as he recovers from shoulder surgery that ended his first season. Due to the contract’s three-year duration, Pittman will next be able to sign a free agent contract at the age of 29, which will likely allow him to command a higher salary cap across the entire league.
What’s at risk: Over the next three seasons, the Colts will be highly reliant on Pittman and running back Jonathan Taylor, who received a $42 million agreement last year. Since it’s likely the Colts won’t be as motivated to make other significant expenditures at those spots in the near future, they’ll need to obtain equivalent output from them. This is an anomaly for Indianapolis, which has not given large contracts to talent players other than quarterbacks in previous years. Without a doubt, signing Pittman was the perfect decision. But for the Colts to succeed, it must.
