NFL free agency grades: How did each team do?

Indianapolis Colts

The only possible explanation for the Indianapolis Colts acquiring Philip Rivers to start over Jacoby Brissett is a desire from ownership to make a big move, because there is no logical, football reason to choose Rivers over Brissett. Rivers looked washed last season and is more expensive, whereas Brissett is an impressive young quarterback who is an actual supporting cast away from stardom.

Instead of investing in better wide receivers, the Colts decided to sign Rivers to a $25 million deal. On the bright side, the Colts can quickly move on to Brissett, assuming they don’t screw it up and trade him, and they aren’t locked into Rivers beyond this year.

The Colts also did well to save $4 million by cutting Margus Hunt, instead investing in former San Francisco 49ers star defensive lineman DeForest Buckner. He can immediately be a centerpiece player on the Colts defense.

Indianapolis should target skill position players often in this year’s draft, but they did make sure they didn’t create another need at left tackle. Re-signing Anthony Castonzo was a great move, because he’s consistently been one of the best left tackles in the NFL over the years. Rivers will learn to love having him on his blindside.

Grade: C