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5 free agents the Indianapolis Colts could still pursue

By Russell S. Baxter

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 08: Melvin Gordon #25 of the Denver Broncos yells pre game prior to facing the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field At Mile High on January 08, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 08: Melvin Gordon #25 of the Denver Broncos yells pre game prior to facing the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field At Mile High on January 08, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /
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Indianapolis Colts
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 23: Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts in the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

4. RB Melvin Gordon (Denver Broncos)

A running back when your team features the NFL’s rushing leader and your club finishes second in the league in yards per game on the ground?

Frank Reich’s Indianapolis Colts got a huge season from second-year pro Jonathan Taylor, who ran for an NFL-high 1,811 yards, totaled a league-best 2,171 yards from scrimmage, and tied with Chargers’ running back Austin Ekeler with an NFL-best 20 touchdowns.

But veteran Melvin Gordon could give the Colts a nice 1-2 punch, especially since Gordon knows his way around the end zone. Including playoffs, he’s scored 69 touchdowns in 100 total contests.

There’s talk that Gordon could be a member of the Baltimore Ravens by the time you read this. If that’s the case, former Cardinals’/Texans’ running back David Johnson could be an option as well.

3. DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Despite the presence of stars like the presence of stars such as linebacker Darius Leonard, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and cornerback Kenny Moore II, the Colts’ defense was spotty last year. Yes, the club finished second in the league in takeaways (33). But Indianapolis also allowed 42 offensive touchdowns – 32 scores through the air.

There’s no doubt the team missed what veterans Denico Autry and Justin Houston brought to the pass rush in recent seasons. The club finished with just 33 sacks in 17 games, compared to 40 QB traps in 16 contests in 2020.

Veteran end Jason Pierre-Paul finished with just 2.5 sacks in a dozen regular-season contests this past year.

Teaming with newcomer Yannick Ngakoue and 2021 first-round pick Kwity Paye – and now under the guidance of veteran defensive coordinator Gus Bradley – could make Pierre-Paul extremely productive once again.

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