Not surprisingly, the Indianapolis Colts did not use the franchise brand on any of their outstanding free agents this off-season, but many teams did, thus having an indirect impact on Chirs Ballard’s plan.
Both for players who have been tagged and those who have not, the Colts have a clearer picture of who they can chase at the free agency, which officially starts on March 17.
In total, nine players received the franchise brand, including some potential targets for the Colts.
Allen Robinson and Chris Godwin were scored, which is not surprising. What is interesting is the type of edge scraper that will now hit the market.
The Colts’ main targets, such as Romeo Okwara, Carl Lawson, Yannick Ngakoue, Shaq Barrett and Bud Dupree, are all on the market. The Colts have enough salary limit space to bring a large edge pusher to help them get through quickly.
There are also players like Jonnu Smith and Marvin Jones who will be available to the Colts if they so wish.
Ballard has the money to make some moves in this off-season and after the franchise brand designations have come and gone, he can now see a much clearer path if he needs to increase the lead or other positions.