Remaining available free agent OTs

[Ironshaft]

Colts have $24m in free cap space.

However, $4m is reserved for rookies, $2m for the practice squad, $2m for spots 52 and 53 on the roster and around $3m for in season churn space leaving around $13m available to sign a free agent left OT.

Still available:

Russell Okung, 33 years old, started 131 games, last 3 years PFF grades: 73.0/62.4/78.4, previous contract averaged $13.250m annually

Eric Fisher, 30 years old, started 113 games, last 3 years PFF grades: 80.0/64.5/73.4, previous contract averaged $12.000m annually

Alejandro Villanueva, 33 years old, started 90 games, last 3 years PFF grades: 74.6/74.0/81.2, previous contract averaged $6.000m annually

For comparison, Anthony Castonzo's last 3 years PFF grades: 73.4/81.3/77.7

Whomever we would sign, I would try to sign a two year deal because without a 1st round pick next year (assuming Wentz works out), then our ability to get a "ready to start from day one" OT goes down a lot. We would need a bridge year for the pick to be able to learn and grow before taking over in 2023.

As an alternative scenario, at right OT we could sign Ricky Wagner and slide Smith to left side but I would prefer to keep Smith where he is playing well at.

Come on Ballard, sign one soon! Don't put Wentz's health on the line!

[Chromeburn]

From Zac Keefer

This was important, from late last night: Ballard said the Colts' plan as of right now is to "probably leave the four guys alone" on the o-line.

Been saying all along you don't move Quenton Nelson out to tackle unless its in a pinch. Keep him where he's best.

My bet is on Fischer because of the KC connection.

[Puck]

Originally Posted by Chromeburn

From Zac Keefer

Yep posted the video of him saying it so this is true. And I 100% agree with that

[IndyNorm]

Originally Posted by Chromeburn

From Zac Keefer



My bet is on Fischer because of the KC connection.

As long as Fischer's healed up and ready to go to start the season then that will work.

[Thorgrim]

I’m gonna be royally pissed if Ballard doesn’t have one of these guys signed quick. You bet your ass that other teams will be courting their services now.

[Chromeburn]

Originally Posted by Thorgrim

I’m gonna be royally pissed if Ballard doesn’t have one of these guys signed quick. You bet your ass that other teams will be courting their services now.

Don’t you have faith in Sam Tevi?

[YDFL Commish]

Fisher is the only guy I would take a flyer on.

[JAFF]

Originally Posted by Chromeburn

From Zac Keefer



My bet is on Fischer because of the KC connection.

IF he can be ready to play for the season

[Ironshaft]

Why has Ballard not signed a veteran free agent LT to start and protect Wentz's blindside?

I understood waiting until after 4pm on Tuesday so the signing did not count against comp picks but I was sort of expecting a deal signed by 5pm that day.

Why is he waiting?

I just looked at all the bottom salary cap teams in the league that will still need to cut folks and none of them are cutting their starting LT to put new guys into the mix.

Of the 11 lowest cap space teams, one already cut their starting LT (Da Bears), 9 have cap situations with their left tackle that it would cost them more in cap space to cut them than keep them and the last is SEA with 35 year old Duane Brown whom I cannot imagine Ballard is "waiting on."

Sign Leno if you are worried about Fisher not being ready for the season.

Sign Fisher if you think he has higher upside and will be ready early in the season.

Sign Okung if you don't like either of the above guys.

It is not rocket science.

Tevi, Davenport nor Holder can start the season at left OT. Dot. Period. The. End. There is nothing in their backstories that gives even an inkling that any of them are a potential quality solution.

Why is Ballard waiting?

[Spike]

Originally Posted by Ironshaft

Why has Ballard not signed a veteran free agent LT to start and protect Wentz's blindside?

I understood waiting until after 4pm on Tuesday so the signing did not count against comp picks but I was sort of expecting a deal signed by 5pm that day.

Why is he waiting?

I just looked at all the bottom salary cap teams in the league that will still need to cut folks and none of them are cutting their starting LT to put new guys into the mix.

Of the 11 lowest cap space teams, one already cut their starting LT (Da Bears), 9 have cap situations with their left tackle that it would cost them more in cap space to cut them than keep them and the last is SEA with 35 year old Duane Brown whom I cannot imagine Ballard is "waiting on."

Sign Leno if you are worried about Fisher not being ready for the season.

Sign Fisher if you think he has higher upside and will be ready early in the season.

Sign Okung if you don't like either of the above guys.

It is not rocket science.

Tevi, Davenport nor Holder can start the season at left OT. Dot. Period. The. End. There is nothing in their backstories that gives even an inkling that any of them are a potential quality solution.

Why is Ballard waiting?

Damn good question. I have to believe he is waiting on the medicals to come back on Fisher. But he does need to sign Leno or Fisher. He has got to know that the hacks he has now are not going to cut it. He has the money and he needs to spend it on a quality LT.