Who are three Indianapolis Colts free agents who could leave this offseason? Michael Pittman Jr. is expected to re-sign with the team. The fourth-year wide receiver was amazing this season, catching 109 passes for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensive tackle Grover Stewart will likely stick around. The 2017 fourth-round pick is easily one of the NFL’s top run-stoppers.
It wouldn’t be shocking if cornerback Kenny Moore II and safety Julian Blackmon were also brought back. The defensive secondary is the Colts’ weakest area, meaning they can’t afford to lose those two.
Indy’s season came to a disappointing end, losing to the Houston Texans 23-19 in Week 18. The Colts would’ve clinched the AFC South if they had won that game. Yet, they couldn’t get the job done and will miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
It will be an interesting offseason for the Colts. Here is a trio of free agents that may sign somewhere else.
3 Indianapolis Colts Free Agents Who Might Not Return Next Season
Isaiah McKenzie
2023 was Isaiah McKenzie’s first year in a Colts uniform. He signed with the team as a free agent following five years in Buffalo. As a wide receiver, he had 11 receptions for 82 yards.
McKenzie also served as the team’s primary punt and kick returner. He returned 23 punts for 204 yards and six kicks for 152 yards.
In December, McKenzie, along with cornerback Tony Brown was suspended for the rest of the season due to conduct detrimental to the team.
McKenzie had a decent year as a return specialist, but he is replaceable. Don’t expect the Colts to bring him back this offseason.
Zack Moss
The Colts landed Zack Moss in a trade with the Buffalo Bills last season. Little did they know that he’d make such an impact later on.
This season, Moss stepped up as star running back Jonathan Taylor was in and out of the lineup due to injury. He led Indianapolis in rushing yards with 794 and recorded a career-high five rushing touchdowns. The former Utah Ute also had 27 receptions for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
Surely, the Colts would love for Moss to return. He, Taylor, and quarterback Anthony Richardson would form an electric running trio. However, Moss will likely receive offers from other teams to be a starter. The Colts won’t want to pay him and Taylor RB1 money. With that said Moss could be on another team for the 2024 season.
Gardner Minshew
Last offseason, the Colts signed Gardner Minshew, who spent the previous two years backing up Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Minshew was supposed to be a backup in Indy as well. But he became the starter after rookie QB Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during Week 5.
Minshew threw for 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. While those aren’t eye-popping numbers, he was a key contributor in the Colts’ overachieving 9-8 campaign.
It would make a ton of sense for the team to re-sign Minshew. He’s an insurance policy in case Richardson gets hurt again. Plus, he’s a great mentor.
But like Moss, Minshew might get an offer to start elsewhere. That could make him too expensive for the Colts to retain.
Main Photo: [Clark Wade/Indy Star] – USA Today Sports
