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2022 NFL Free Agency: 3 teams most likely to overspend this offseason

By Jacob Ellerbee

BEREA, OH - JULY 31: Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns talks with general manager Andrew Berry during Cleveland Browns Training Camp on July 31, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 31: Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns talks with general manager Andrew Berry during Cleveland Browns Training Camp on July 31, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /
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Frank Reich, NFL Free Agency
Mar 1, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center, which precedes NFL Free Agency. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

NFL Free Agency overspend candidate No. 1: Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts, who finished second in the AFC South last season with a record of 9-7, have made their fair share of questionable decisions in the past couple of seasons.

This is a front office that traded away multiple first-round picks for a damaged quarterback in Carson Wentz. For that reason alone, it’s hard to trust this front office.

Couple that with reports stating the Colts may already be looking for an upgrade at the quarterback position— historically one of the most expensive positions— makes them a strong candidate to over-pay for free agents this offseason.

Multiple reports have stated that the Colts are exploring trade options for current starter Carson Wentz and could even release him if a suitor is not found.

The team may have an eye on drafting their quarterback of the future in a draft class that has several big names.

The Colts do not currently own a pick in the first round, but they could look for their quarterback in rounds two or three. They could target someone like Carson Strong, Desmond Ridder or Brock Purdy, who all project to go at some point after the first round.

Selecting one of those guys would not preclude them from signing someone like Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota for two to three seasons while the rookie learns and gets acclimated to the NFL.

Both players will be looking to command more money than their previous deals, despite their inconsistent play and injury history.

Mariota last signed a two-year $17.6 million in March 2020. Winston signed a one-year $12 million deal in 2021.

As desperate as the Colts are to move on from Wentz, would they really be willing to spend $10-$15 million on yet another question mark at quarterback?

Beyond the quarterback, there are other areas of need like the offensive line and receivers. Indianapolis may need to go deep into the pocketbook of owner Jim Irsay to lure talent to a traditionally unsexy free agent destination.

If the Colts can’t retain T.Y. Hilton and miss out on top-tier wide receiver free agents like Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, and Will Fuller, they may have to overpay to get a second-tier free agent in Indy.

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