5 targets for Colts in 2022 NFL free agency
By John Buhler
The Indianapolis Colts have plenty of cap space to get better as a team in 2022 NFL free agency.
After losing yet again in Jacksonville, the Indianapolis Colts enter the 2022 NFL offseason as a non-playoff team from the year prior.
Not since the 2014 season have the Colts won the AFC South. All three of their division rivals have won it more recently than them. To say 2022 is a critical season for head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard would be a gross understatement. This team has to either push for the AFC playoffs or get out ahead of this and say they are heading towards a rebuilding period.
With over $37 million in available cap space, here are five free agents the Colts could look to sign.
Indianapolis Colts: 5 players to target in 2022 NFL free agency
DE. Kansas City Chiefs. 5. 124. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Melvin Ingram. player
Melvin Ingram is one free agent who may want to play for Gus Bradley again
After splitting last season initially with the Pittsburgh Steelers and then finishing up with the Kansas City Chiefs, edge rusher Melvin Ingram is once again a free agent. The longtime San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers star has had a frustrating two last two seasons. From 2015 to 2019, Ingram was guaranteed at least seven sacks annually. He has had only two in the two years since.
The former South Carolina standout will be entering his age-33 season. He has made plenty of money with the Bolts, but he is still chasing a Super Bowl ring. Not to say the Colts are any closer of doing that than any of his three previous teams, Indianapolis did hire his former Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. He will be replacing Matt Eberflus on that side of the ball.
With the bulk of his success having come in this defensive scheme, it would make a ton of sense for Ingram to reunite with Bradley in Indianapolis. It may not be on a long-term deal, as Reich does enter 2022 on the hot seat. However, Ingram is one good offseason from getting back to the player he once was in his prime for the Chargers. Familiarity with Bradley gets him to Indianapolis.
Ingram may be a shot fighter, but the Colts have enough cap space to outbid most for his services.