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These 5 NFL teams had the best offseasons in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Frank Reich head coach of the Indianapolis Colts is seen at the 2019 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Frank Reich head coach of the Indianapolis Colts is seen at the 2019 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty Images /

1. Indianapolis Colts

Very much like the aforementioned Chargers, a team that won nine of its last 10 regular-season games a year ago didn’t go overboard when it came to acquiring veteran talent. But the moves made by Indianapolis Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard this offseason were solid. And he complimented those additions with another draft that by all accounts addressed the team’s various needs.

Perhaps more importantly, Ballard did a superior job of bringing back players the colts wanted to retain. Defensive tackle Margus Hunt, safety Clayton Geathers and cornerback Pierre Desir were all eligible to hit free agency and the Colts managed to retain all three performers, as well as backup tackle J’Marcus Webb.

In terms of free agency, the additions were few but substantial. The club added wide receiver Devin Funchess (Carolina Panthers) and safety Derrick Kindred (Cleveland Browns), as well as a pair of former Kansas City Chiefs in pass-rusher Justin Houston and running back Spencer Ware.

During the draft, the highly-regarded executive did what he’s done the last few years. And that’s obtain extra second-round selections. This time, the Colts traded with the Washington Redskins, who came up and took pass-rusher Montez Sweat late in the first round. Combined with last year’s deal with the New York Jets, Indianapolis wound up with three picks in the 2nd round and used them to obtain cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (2-Temple), linebacker Ben Banogu (2b-TCU) and wide receiver Parris Campbell (2c-Ohio State). And the Colts now have an extra second-round pick in 2020 as well.

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With quarterback Andrew Luck at the helm, Frank Reich’s club overcame a slow start this past season and brings in a lot of momentum into this year. Ballard has done a masterful job rebuilding the club. And the Colts bear very serious watching in ’19 thanks to the work done by the organization the last few months.

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