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Indianapolis Colts free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

By Joe Romano

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: Los Angeles Rams linebacker Dante Fowler (56) raises hands during the NFC Divisional Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams on January 12, 2019 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: Los Angeles Rams linebacker Dante Fowler (56) raises hands during the NFC Divisional Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams on January 12, 2019 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs with the ball during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs with the ball during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire) /

Le’Veon Bell, RB

There are certain players that general managers and front offices make exceptions for. The Colts would have to buck their own trends, but Le’Veon Bell could be worth it. Despite having a stable of young running backs in the mix already, Bell could provide a punch to this offense the others can’t. Of course, this would mean paying him a massive contract after he quit on his team and spent a year away from football. That is a dicey proposition.

It is hard to argue for the player, except when he is as talented as the former Steelers’ running back. Off the field stuff aside, Bell is one of the league’s best running backs period. He can do it all from the position, including being a de-facto receiver lining up on the outside when asked. Imagine what he could do with Andrew Luck throwing him the ball and the new-look Colts offensive line paving the way.

This would mean giving up on Marlon Mack, who impressed this season with 900 yards in 12 games this season with nine touchdowns. Mack is backed-up by a pair of rookies in Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines. The three combined are still not Bell.

Ballard is not the type to make this move. Even if the running back himself has commented on Instagram posts about teaming up with Luck. 

There are other names to consider if the team goes with a free agent at running back. Saints runner Mark Ingram is set to hit the open market. A younger option, though he is restricted, is Peyton Barber. Barber, in particular, could join the trio of backs already in place as a piece of the puzzle.

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