The Chicago Bears will have their eyes on free-agent situations across the NFL landscape. One team that has some interesting decisions to make is the Indianapolis Colts. Who are some free agents on the Colts that are worth looking at?
5. Will the Indianapolis Colts hang onto their veteran offensive lineman?
The Colts have two decisions to make on their offensive line. First, all Bears fans will have eyes on the Ryan Kelly situation. He is in the last year of his contract, and the Colts could save $12M by letting him go. They could work out an extension, or they could trade Kelly a year early, get something back, and get a huge cap saving.
Kelly had a great year but missed three games and has had injuries in the past. Do the Colts try to get out early, and do the Bears pounce when that happens?
Next, Braden Smith would save the team $10M if cut. Smith has dealt with injuries over the last two years and is approaching the age of 30. Meanwhile, the team drafted Blake Freeland, who started in place of him for most of his rookie season. Freeland struggled, but he was a mid-round rookie who was not expected to start. Should the Colts continue to roll with Freeland, and if so, does that make Smith available? Is he even an option for the Bears with their tackle situation?
4. The Chicago Bears could sign a veteran backup quarterback in free agency
The Chicago Bears could add a veteran quarterback to be the backup for whoever is the number one overall pick. It is smart to make sure there is no pressure to start him in week one and provide a solid support system. Gardner Minshew could be that person for the Chicago Bears.
He did excellent backing up Anthony Richardson and was solid in relief of Jalen Hurts and Trevor Lawrence in the years prior. It would make sense for him to join another team like the Bears with a chance to start before a rookie is ready.