How NFL experts graded Colts moves in early free agency | Sporting News

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard stuck to his word when he said he'd be more aggressive on the open market.

Coming off a fourth-consecutive season without a playoff appearance the longest of Jim Irsay's tenure as owner the Colts needed a change in philosophy.

Typically a bargain shopper in free agency, Ballard changed his tune, making some splash moves early in free agency.

It started with the addition of safety Cam Bynum, who signed a three-year deal worth $60 million.

The following day, the Colts signed former All-Pro cornerback Charvarius Ward to a $54 million deal.

Indy also added Daniel Jones as the main competition for Anthony Richardson.

The Colts wound up losing some key players to other teams.

Starting center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries both joined the Minnesota Vikings while edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo landed a $48 million deal with the Chicago Bears .

Here's a look at how NFL experts graded the Colts through the first week of free agency: Colts free agency grades Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A- Iyer: "The Colts knew they would take some offensive line hits, but at the same time, they did some major upgrading in the secondary with Ward and Bynum making them much more active for big plays in coverage.

Jones was the ideal arm and athletic talent to push Anthony Richardson, too." Pro Football Network: C- PFN: "In a make-or-break year for Anthony Richardson and Shane Steichen, its a little surprising the Colts didnt try to keep most of the offensive line infrastructure in place.

Indy brought in Daniel Jones on a one-year, $14 million deal as ostensible competition for Richardson, though that seems like a competition set up for Richardson to win." Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports: D+ Schwab: "The Colts lost key pieces on each line, added some help to the secondary, but the Daniel Jones addition pays off only if Anthony Richardson falls apart." CBS Sports: B CBS Sports: "After ranking in the bottom third of the NFL in passing yards allowed in 2024, the Colts have made it a point to improve the secondary.

On Day 1, the club landed corner Charvarius Ward and safety Camryn Bynum, who are both set-and-forget starters.

Bynum is coming off a strong season with the Vikings where he posted 10 pass breakups.

Meanwhile, Ward is a former second-team All-Pro player.

Indy did lose Odeyingbo to the Bears, and offensive guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly to the Vikings, but the club does have Tanor Bortolini (five starts last season ) as an in-house replacement.

On Day 2, the Colts found their potential starting quarterback in Daniel Jones.

He will have the chance to battle Anthony Richardson for QB1.On Day, Indianapolis added a nice complement to Jonathan Taylor in Khalil Herbert, who has a career yards per carry average just under five yards (4.8).

" More NFL News Lions linebacker shades Colts after signing free-agent deal with Detroit Why did Colts sign free agent safety Cam Bynum?.

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