Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - Buy or Sell Colts Free Agents Returning with Kevin Bowen

Episode Date: March 8, 2021

On today's episode, Evan is joined by Kevin Bowen from 1070 The Fan to go over four key Indianapolis Colts free agents. Does Kevin buy or sell their futures in Indy?First up, what does the future hold for T.Y. Hilton with the Indianapolis Colts? Even though Hilton has lost a step or two, is it in Indy's best interest to re-sign him? Also, what does a possible contract look like?Xavier Rhodes had a career resurgence in 2020, but will that continue elsewhere? Rhodes proved he can still be a top-caliber cornerback in the NFL. However, will his production take him out of Indy's preferred price range?Denico Autry has been a versatile piece along the Colts' defensive line. Kevin even called him the best free agent signing of the Chris Ballard era thus far. Is now the time to let Autry walk and have Tyquan Lewis take his place, though?Justin Houston was a consistent threat off the edge for Indy, but his performance tapered off in the final half of 2020. Does this mean Houston is on the way out? Look for the Colts to address pass rusher in free agency, but what about the developments of Kemoko Turay and Ben Banogu?Closing out the show, Evan and Kevin go over how important the 2021 offseason truly is for the Colts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Colts, your daily Indianapolis Colts podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello everybody, welcome back to another episode of Locked On Colts, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Today's host is Evan Sutter, joined by Kevin Bowen of 107.5 1070 The Fan. For those out there new to us here at WTHR.com, welcome to Locked On Colts. I really appreciate Kevin coming on for the first episode here on the website because Kevin, I know we've all watched the news and to have you on as the Colts insider for 107.5 1070 The Fan for our first episode of WTHR, We wouldn't want to have anyone else on here for this one.

So, Kevin, really appreciate you coming on to that. Thanks, man. Yeah, that means a lot. And, boy, what a perfect time to get that partnership started. This is, you know, I said on my podcast earlier, this is our version of March Madness. It's going to be a fun couple weeks here. And then it just keeps on going, you know, into April

and obviously closing out that month with the draft. So, when you have the resources the Colts So when you have the resources the Colts do and you have the needs the Colts do, it should be a really fun kind of month and a half here. Oh, absolutely. I feel like nowadays, Kevin, it's almost a year-round thing where there is no downtime, and this is especially where it gets in the overdrive here

with the free agency and the NFL draft. This is kind of crisp out of the wheelhouse right now. The Colts have around $45, $50 million in cash space, depending on what site you look at, whether it be over the track, spot track. We don't have an exact number just yet on the free agency, the salary cap. It's going to be between $180 to $185 million, Kevin. As we get closer and closer here, we're around nine days away from free agency and officially opening.

The legal tampering period is a week from today. What's your overall thoughts on how this is going to go for the Colts? Do you expect it to be really quiet, maybe more aggressive than usual? What's your thoughts now after the Carson Wentz deal where now the next step is free? Yeah, I think a big key is being somewhat aggressive for a couple reasons. I think we've talked about kind of the five- to seven-year window that I feel like this team has.

I've been calling it win now. It's a little bit too much short-sighted. I think the win now period can extend deep into the 2020s. Now having said that, I also think the aggression is you want to make sure that you're building confidence and building support for Carson Wentz. This is a guy that at times, even though Philadelphia contributed a good amount of draft capital, especially the skill positions, offensive line-wise and just the injuries, I think, especially the skill positions um you know offensive line wise and just the injuries i think of the skill group really decimated his supporting cast so i thought

that was what you helped philip rivers with this past season i think it's important to do that with wentz now having said that we know full well chris bowers approach is much more prudent over the next you know a couple of weeks you know the cap casualty path, I think, is something he will definitely explore. And there's been a lot of talk about what those second and third-tier free agents will look like this year in getting pretty affordable contracts. So I do believe you have room to be aggressive and to make kind of one big splash

and then kind of blending my thoughts with Chris Ballard's thoughts. I think if you make that splash, then you still have enough money to go ahead and try to get some of those second or third tier guys, and that can help cross off a few needs before you get to the draft where you still have those two premium picks early on where you can address a couple needs there. The big elephant in the rub and sense in the podcast for the last couple weeks, Kevin, is T.Y. Houghton after the Carson Wentz trade.

Just what happens for his future? I know he was great the first six, seven years, an elite NFL wide receiver with Andrew Luck, but since Luck left, Kevin, I think it's fair to say his production has fallen off a little bit. I know he said Jacoby Bursette for two out of those three years, Phillip Rivers last year as well, in a COVID year where not really much time on field

to really get some reps in with Rivers, or outside of that as well, just due to the pandemic. But what's your overall thoughts on who T. Whitehound is nowadays entering his age 32 season? And quite honestly, might not be the elite WR1 that many Colts fans still might think he is. Yeah, you know, he definitely is not that anymore. But I still think he's going to be a pretty important player for you. And by that, I mean, there's a level of trust that I think the coaching staff has in them. And I think that's important because the Paris Campbell,

you know, whatever situation is just such a tough one to really put a whole lot of faith in. When healthy, oh my, I mean, huge part of this offense. But when healthy is such a thing that I'd rather bet with your money than bet with mine. So what I'm getting at is I think bringing Hilton back, not only can he still be, I think, a somewhat effective, you know,

top-level wideout for you, it also is a bit of insurance policy if Campbell goes down because Hilton has played in the swap before, can be effective. They're not the same exact player by any means, and certainly T.Y. Hilton at 31 isn't the same guy he was, you know, back in 2013 or 14 or even when he led the league and received it a few years later. But I think it's important just to have a guy in that building

that knows how to work and also, again, knows his offense, that can be trustworthy across multiple positions. I do believe they'll let him hit the open market. We'll see. But I just think with how deep the wideout group is, I think it's honestly wise for both parties to gauge that. I think the Colts need to see what the wideout market is going to call for some of these guys and just see what that second level is like,

what that third level is like. Because, you know, Evan, I can't recall a year where you've had this much depth at the receiver position and free agency. And then you come back in free agency and then you come back in the draft and you know the drafts are going to continue to be deep and wide out that's just how college football is in uh in today's world so um I still think there's a there's a there's a definite chance that Hilton comes back I'm not closing that door whatsoever but I think it's important for both parties to see what the market is and see how you have to

go from there because even if you bring Hilton back, I still think you need to do something else at receiver. Yeah. With the length of the contract too. I know TY mentioned this, I believe before the season last season started with his contract. I think he was asked by someone about his extension, whether he'll get one or not. And he said, whether it be like a shorter contract, a two or three or four year contract,

I want this next one to be my last one. And with what we've seen from Hilton the past couple of years, Kevin, I know he had a very strong December to close out the year, but what's your comfortability with TY as far as the length of a contract goes? I know probably the terms would probably be around eight to $10 million. Maybe just a little bit more than that. We'll have to see on the open market with how different it's going to be due to COVID-19 this year. But I feel like to me personally, Kevin, I wouldn't go more in a two year deal for TY, but what's your thoughts? I was going to say, I thought you were going to throw two to three at me, and I would lean more towards two. Like you were saying, I mean, he had some key

games to close out the year, I think, both for those games against Houston, certainly the game against the Raiders as well. I mean, that was a pivotal kind of make-or-break sort of game, and just so it's another kind of wildcard team in the winter of this feels pretty good about themselves. And that ended up happening. You know, Colts blew out Oakland there, blew out Vegas there in the second half. Hilton had a couple touchdowns in that game. You know, obviously, you know, what you saw in the playoff loss that that that that does resonate with me, you know, there are a couple catchable balls early in that game. And then I, boy, I don't even know if T.Y. had a target in the final three quarters I might be mistaken there but um just really a quiet quiet performance um I I would side with two years I I wouldn't go

north of that it was important that he played in what 15 games last season that's key but you know for a guy that has battled some lower body injuries, his speed is so key. While I think with Carson Wentz, it can help him. I was talking to a coworker the other day. They were kind of mentioning, do you think Carson Wentz's scrambling ability helps with a guy like T.Y.? Keeps him plays alive. And, yeah, I think that's an element.

But I also think it's just more of can you get that deep ball a little bit more where I felt like it's him and Rivers weren't on the same page um at times with that now some of that was Hilton and he had a big drop against the Vikings but I would say two years stop there nothing crazier than that and uh boy that would that would appease I think both parties had to get appeased the majority of the fan base asY. coming back here, too, just another point I wanted to mention with him is that, like you mentioned, whether it be coming back for a two-year deal or if he goes somewhere else, especially if he leaves in free agency, this need for wide receiver is still there for them. I think Michael Pittman Jr., I think internal expectations

that I have to imagine Kevin are he'll probably take the baton from T.Y. Hilton this year and be the WR1. But what's your opinion of where the Colts could go outside of T.Y.? Do you think it's going to be maybe they do let T.Y. test the market and they go for a cheaper option if he gets a bigger contract somewhere else or maybe they bring T.Y. back and maybe draft a guy on the first, second or third round if they trade back as well? I feel like there's a lot of options still open to them where I feel like with the question mark of Paris Campbell I feel like like it's so up in the air, like you mentioned, the top of the show, Kevin,

because if Paris Campbell was healthy the last two years, maybe this isn't a question. Yeah, that's such a good point. I look at it like this. I'm bringing Hilton back, but then I'm going out there and I'm paying kind of a mid-level whiteout. Nelson Aguilar is a name that I've thrown out before, obviously. The Frank Wright connection is there.

A couple of those young Chiefs whiteouts to Marcus Robinson being one of those. Do you look for a resurrection in a guy like John Ross? I'd probably stay away. How much is a guy like Josh Reynolds from the Rams going to get on the market? Is he a byproduct of Robert Woods and Cooper Cup? Is he getting a little bit more of the attention there, or is this a guy that could blossom somewhere else? Corey Davis for the Titans is somebody that I think a lot of people have

mentioned as well. I just can't see Chris Ballard spending it at that top tier. It would really, really be surprising to me, certainly against the Ryan Grants and the Kamar Akins and the Devin Funches of the world. And certainly we're going to have to see how this week plays out. You know, as we tape this, I don't think any of those wideouts have been franchise tagged, but I do think that's something to keep an eye on.

And I know it's something that you've mentioned before about, okay, what does that do to the market? What does that do to those teams? Does that push these guys up, you know, contract-wise? You know, a guy that I really like, but I just don't necessarily think the need is there, especially with Campbell, ironically enough, same college, is Curtis Samuel. I think he could be so dynamic in a Frank Reich offense. I kind of look at those second-tier

wideouts to combine with a guy like Hilton. Last point on Hilton here before we dive into Xavier Rhodes and other internal free agents. If I had to put money – or not really money down right now, so to say, I know we're recording on March 8th around 2 o'clock Eastern time. Kevin, do you think at this point in time is T.Y. back or leaving? I'm going to say back. Now I'm going to go like 55%.

You know, it's not like super super confident but i think he's back i think he'll be a little bit surprised by what the market looks like for him um i yeah and i guess i'm also curious of like what he wants to kind of ride off into the sunset with as well you know i know he's very fond of indy and you know he's got family here as well but um i'll say slightly over 50 ty's.Y.'s back. Yeah, it's right up there for me too, Kevin. I think it's maybe 60-40 with T.Y. Because the more I've thought about it,

the Colts are not going to be like Allen Robinson, Kenny Galladay type of guys. Ballard's never shown to spend that much money on a receiver. And T.Y., like you mentioned, could be a guy where, even if they do tag, let's say, Galladay, Robinson, and Gowen, Will Fuller, Corey Davis probably get more money than him. He could be like an $8 million to $10 million period guy. And I think that's right in Chris Barrett's wheelhouse on like a one-tier deal.

So something to watch out for with T.Y. We'll cover it on the show throughout the next couple weeks here. Let's dive over to Xavier Rhodes now. Kevin, you brought us up on your podcast this morning over on Kevin's Corner that you think Rhodes will be back next year. But a really good point, I've looked it up, and I think you also brought us up before on a podcast last week, is that it seems like Chris Ballard has really not been the guy

to spin big on cornerback. And the one time he did here in Indy was Pierre Desir on a re-signing, and that really blew up in his face. And he came after one year with no dead cap involved in that. So a really good move on his part to not have any dead cap after year one. But I feel like Rhodes at age 30, he could be a guy where, obviously you want to bring him back, but maybe Ballard internally is like, hey,

I don't want to have Pierre Desir all over again here. Yeah, it is a good point. I do think Pierre Desir injuries played into that a little bit. And one thing about Xavier, and I don't have in front of me, but if I'm not mistaken, Xavier's been very durable throughout his career. Now, I did feel like I looked up every other game and Xavier was going off the field for a couple plays, but he suited up in all 16 games

and just hasn't missed a lot of time in his career. The one avenue where I could see Rose coming back, and I didn't really get into this a little bit on the podcast, but I started thinking about it afterwards. If you want to continue to evolve as a defense and you want to maybe play a little bit more man coverage and you feel like Xavier can hold up with that, does he become more important to you? And does he maybe match the value that some other teams could be willing to give him? If that's the case and you know the

receivers that are on the schedule next year, now all of a sudden does Xavier Rose become much more of a priority. I also think we'll get a very clear indication of what you think of their true belief in Rocky Haseen with how they handle cornerback here. Chris Bauer certainly seems to publicly back Rock, but actions speak louder than words. So I think that'll play into it. How I kind of look at corner is I and I mentioned this earlier today on the pod is I pair that up with edge rusher and they can go hand in hand and I

just feel like the value of a younger edge rusher that can be impactful can help you out greater than bringing back a 31 year old Xavier Rhodes you know back when the offseason kind of first got underway, I did a green, yellow, red ranking of who I would bring back. I think I phrased who are the most important free agents. In the green category, I had Rhodes, I had Al-Qadin Muhammad, and I had Danika Autry. I still think Rhodes is important, but I fully acknowledge that this is a business, and this is a business on both

sides of it. Like the Colts have a business side to where you can't just hand Xavier Rhodes, you know, double digit million dollar on a, on a multi-year deal. Especially when, you know, Jonathan Gannon is no longer here and think you're automatically going to get the same Xavier Rhodes you got last year. So if that's the case, then I think that's something to where kind of a mid-levellevel corner, along with maybe re-signing TJ Carey,

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Describe the Locked On Today wherever you hear podcasts. Yeah, when you look at this cornerback market, Kevin, I'm on SpotTracker right now looking at it. I mean, it's fair to say Xavier Rhodes is probably going to be a top three corner on the market. Patrick Peterson really fell off a cliff last year in Arizona, so I think Rhodes is a better option than him, but other guys like Shaquille Griffin is probably going to return to Seattle in the franchise tag.

Maybe Mackenzie Alexander, the same thing in Cincinnati so that might leave Xavier Rhodes as the number one number two guy on the open market and that could be an absolute bidding war at that point if Rhodes were to leave Kevin I mean where do the Colts turn at that point because I feel like honestly like you mentioned on your podcast earlier today as well you have to have good corners especially their schedule next year it's a it's a murderer's row of elite elite quarterbacks in 2021 for the Colts, where Rhodes might be a priority on a big one-year deal even to come back. But if Rhodes does leave, the Colts really are in a pickle there

as far as what to do with cornerback, because you can't trust Rocky Hussain from what we've seen the first two years of his career to be your number one guy. Yeah, I would start with bringing back TJ Carey. You know, from a durability and versatility standpoint, I think those are important elements. He's not going to break the bank by any means I'd go there you know both the Seattle corners that are going to hit the market Quentin Dunbar and Shaquille Griffin you know price tag wise we'll

see how that plays out but those are two names that I like Akella Witherspoon for the 49ers and Awuzi the the big corner for the Cowboys. You know, I think both of those guys are big. You know, maybe that's something that you would look into as well. But it's not a great cornerback class. You know, we talk about a little bit better depth at wideout. I don't love the cornerback group. And I also think the Colts are just in a different market.

You know, when you play such a heavy zone scheme, corners probably don't love how you value them because the price tag for what the Colts assign for them probably isn't the same as elsewhere. I think that's why you saw a cut of Pierre Desir. That's why you saw, you know, Pierre Desir and Kenny Moore be the waiver claims that have played the most for you over the last four years.

Yeah, the Colts have spent a little bit in the draft at corner for free agency they've really shied away and I think that gets into more of again their value within their defense when you talk the top three positions for their defense it's not outside corner and you already have Kenny Moore in place obviously so corner will be one that I don't have a great grasp on. You know, I don't think Rhodes will be back, but you know, I'm not 100% slamming it shut. And then, you know, are you going to come back and draft a corner again, you know, come draft time? And I guess what needs are still going to be on the table? I think that'll be something interesting to watch. Evan is like, you know, once you get to kind of late March, what's sitting there? Because, you know, unlike years past, you don't have these three or four day one, day two combined

picks. You've got two. Now, you can create another if you want, but for now, you just have two. So, that will be a little bit more of a, you know, who do you believe in on your roster? And obviously, you know, how aggressive you have to be in the draft at a certain spot. Yeah, I think you just answered my last question around Xavier Rhodes, Kevin, but might as well throw your way here. For the T.Y. Hilton part, just buy or sell on him. You said 55, 45 right now on him coming back.

But do you buy or sell Xavier Rhodes being an Indy again in 2021? Because personally, I would have said yes a couple weeks ago, but the closer we get in with this cornerback market, I think team out there's gonna throw big money at Rhodes so I'm leaning towards now yeah I'm with you there I I just think you'll seek out the big payday and you know what good for him he got cut uh the team that drafted him told him we don't need you anymore we don't want you anymore you're not worth that value Xavier Rhodes handled things like a pro this year um stayed quiet and just he performed and he deserves a two or three year multi-year deal. I think Chris

Bauer would tell you that. If I went 55-45 Hilton, I'll go 35-65 Rhodes coming back. Let's move on here to defensive line, Kevin, for the last couple big name free-ins that the Colts could keep around. For other guys we're not going to mention here, Marlon Mack,

Anthony Walker, Malik Hooker, I think it's pretty obvious those guys won't be back in Indy next year with just the positional value guys ahead of him like Okereke and Taylor Julian Blackman for example but these two guys here are pretty intriguing to me first one here is Danico Autry where I feel like if they were to maybe re-sign Xavier Rhodes maybe he gets squeezed out cap wise but if they don't bring back Xavier Rhodes maybe he has more of a priority to come back here, Kevin, because Danico Autry did very well for himself last year next to the Forrest Buckner. Gives you inside-out versatility as a pass rusher. What's your overall thoughts on Danico Autry and his fit in D and what could happen?

Let me start here, Evan. I think he's the best free agent signing by Chris Ballard. I'm taking years and longevity into that equation as well. Versatility on a rebuilt defensive line that was really needed. And you know, Philip Rivers might have been a little bit more obvious. Philip Rivers also was probably more of a Frank Reich signing than anything. But I think over the last three years, the Niko Autry has given you some versatility and for the most part has given you consistent production. And that's really key. I would rather bring him back than Justin Houston, because I just think on game days, he's valuable. A little bit younger. I know, you know, honestly,

he's probably been a little bit more banged up over the last two years. Nothing, you know, extreme, but just a little bit more. But I like Autry. You know, part of me looks at what Tyquan Lewis did late last season, and they say, all right, Tyquan, it's time. You need to take over and be the Danico Autry now. And I would be fine with them saying that, because then all of a sudden it's DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart as your starters. They're not going anywhere.

And then Tyquan kind of in that Autry role, where he can play outside in a pinch. And then on third downs, maybe he can slide into the interior and give you a little bit more of a pop there. So I love Autry's toughness. I think it's important he's feasted against the AFC South. So maybe there's something there. But part of me looks at it as maybe this is a passing of the torch

to a guy like Taekwon Lewis. Yeah, and what's intriguing about Autry too, just just looking at the free-in-team market here, like you mentioned, Tyquan Lewis really stands out as the guy who could take over the Autry role, but outside of that, if they don't believe in Tyquan Lewis just yet, this free-in-team market really does show to me, Kevin, that there's really not many Danico Autrys out there, which can make him more valuable to Indy because there's really not many guys who could check that box. Even Al-Khani Mohamed, who is a very good player in his own right,

I don't think he's as good of a player as Danico Autry at this point in his career to play inside and out the level that he does. So if they don't believe in Tyquan Lewis yet, Kevin, maybe that does open the door for Danico Autry to come back. But I think case in point, though, could be that Danico Autry is so valuable in any scheme, versatile in any scheme, inside and out, that he could be in two like Xavier Rhodes for his big payday. No, I think that's a really good point.

And it's key to remember that, like, while Xavier Rhodes at corner or, you know, even Hilton at receiver, those positions might not be as prevalent atop Chris Ballard's mind. We know D-line is, and we know versatile defensive linemen is important for him as well. And the fact that Autry can give you some three-down ability, so key on game day, all of that, that's where I do think he is important. Now, when I did my kind of blueprint, I squeezed him out,

but I squeezed him out, and at the same time, you know, I'm grabbing Tyquan Lewis by the shirt, and I'm saying, let's go. You know, a little bit of flash last year. the shirt and I'm saying, let's go, you know, a little bit of flash last year. We need a little bit more of it moving forward. Let's go to Justin Houston now, Kevin. And I feel like we're both in agreement here that he's probably on the way out age 32, very inconsistent last year. He had a 19 QB pressures, I believe, and 16 games, which just isn't going to cut it as a edge one in this league, especially alongside DeForest Buckner. He had a very good, like first six weeks of the season. They got five sacks in the first six games, but after that really tapered off, in my opinion, just the juice looks like it's left him a little bit. What's your

overall thoughts on Justin Houston? I played a big leadership role last year, but in my opinion, I think it's best, sir, for the Colts to go outside and free Aids here in the draft early on and get his replacement. You know, it's funny. I appreciated Justin Houston's honesty last year, Evan. But when a 30-year-old – he's got to be older than 30. What's he, 32? When a 32-year-old pass rusher says, you know, I'm not playing at the level I need to play this season, that's a red flag to me.

And Justin admitted that, which, again, kudos to him for being candid. But when he says that, that kind of catches my eye and being like, all right, have you lost your fastball? Justin Houston's never been a, you know, a role to Chapman fastball. But, like, that's important for an edge rusher. Now, you know, having said that, he brings some three-down ability, which is important for that run defense. And there's not a lot of great options behind him.

That's why I think Al-Kadhi Muhammad is so valuable to bring back because he does have three-down ability. But again, I just view it as there's some decent depth in a free agency at that group. We'll see how the franchise tag plays out because that's going to take some names away, you got to think. But I just feel like it's time to move on. Great signing by Chris Ballard was healthy, all of that.

But I think you can find somebody else. You might have to manipulate it a little bit to really get the three-down ability and might have to use a couple of guys in that role. But I would not commit a multi-year deal to where he's getting into the 34 years old, you know, sort of realm. Now, would it throw you off a little bit, Kevin, if let's say next week, we hear once the legal tampering period opens with a cold sign, like a shack bearer to a $20 million period contract or someone along those lines to like a big, big payday? Because I just think with paying DeForest Buckham the way you did, I feel like edge can be sort of like a discount

thing with like this all just Houston a couple years ago. You bring him in, I think, on a $12 million per year deal. I think maybe something along those lines makes more sense. What's your thoughts on the Edge market this year and some names that can make sense there? In my opinion, I feel like Romier Arcoir of Detroit makes a lot of sense. I've heard Carl Lawson, too, as well from you, but I've seen maybe some reports out of Cincinnati

he could be franchise tagged as well. It's going to be intriguing what happens there at the edge position. Yeah, and again, the whole tag thing is just – who knows? But, yeah, I mean, certainly these guys could get tagged. But, you know, I think Lawson, just his pop, his athleticism fits the Colts so much. With Okora, I think a lot of it is off the field. You know, he's a guy that handles himself really, really well, and I think that is obviously something the Colts like from a professionalism standpoint.

And then you threw out Shaq Barrett. You know, we'll see how Tampa and that puzzle gets put together. But, you know, just because Chris Fowler's never done it, I guess I'd be surprised if you see that price tag thrown out for an edge rusher. Just seems like it's so against what Chris does. But I'll tell you what, if there's a position that deserves it, if there is a position that arguably needs it, I think it's that group. To me, if you can find yourself a dynamic, bona fide guy off the edge,

man, I start thinking about this team a little bit more as, okay, you're sending teams home in the month of January. So I think those are all really, really important things to keep in mind. It pairs up a little bit more, I think, with Chris's thinking than it does maybe a wide out or a corner. Yeah, looking at here at some internal options too, I mean, we've talked about with Paris Campbell at wide out, Tyquan Lewis could be Danico Autry now if he walks in for A&C.

But what's your opinion moving forward now of Kamoko Ture and Ben Banigou? I think it's a massive year in year four for Kamoko Ture. I think it's a contract year now for him. Ben Banigou now entering year two. It's two big years for – or year three, excuse me. Two big years for those two guys right there. Oh, massive, massive, massive, massive. In a way, you could throw Tyquan Lewis into that group.

I don't think it's to that level. But this is a contract year for him. But Ture is a guy that we've talked about endlessly. There are traits that you just can't teach. There's a bend ability that he brings that you love. And I'm sure they would love to combine that with kind of how could be Muhammad's ability to, to, you know, carry himself as a pro, to be honest with you. But this is huge. If Ture can answer the bell, it would help you out so much, certainly in the here and now and moving forward as well. And, you know, he faces a big crossroads with his career. I think there's a reason why they've held on to him and they cut ties to

Terrell Basham as early as they did. And, youure you certainly had a pretty serious injury now what worries me about last year Evan is like and again I know we battled the ankle Chris mentioned that at the end of the year so he ended up I think he ended up playing the nine games if I'm not mistaken if you throw in the playoff game of those nine games only one game did he have a sack or a quarterback hit. All his stats from last year in those two categories came in that Jacksonville season finale. So that's what's a little bit worrisome. But again, now how much of that was, you know, he was 85%,

something like that we should keep in mind there. But having said all that about Toure, I don't want to run the risk of all my eggs are in that basket. He's battled some other injuries in his NFL career as well. So I don't want to put everything at edge rusher and say, here you go. But, boy, big time year. Big time year for a guy that if he can live up to it, it would greatly help his team.

On Houston and Autry, just a final points on them here, Kevin. Buy or sell, either those guys come back to Indy next year, get a pick between Houston and Autry, maybe both final point on them here, Kevin. Buy or sell, either of those guys come back to Indy next year, get a pick between Houston and Autry, maybe both those guys leaving Indy for 2021. Yeah, you know, I think I had both of them leaving in the blueprint. I would buy Autry more than Houston if it was me. Now, I do think there is a chance either of them come back. I do.

I wouldn't put it very high, like above 50%, but we'll see how that market plays out. And is there going to be the right fit out there? Is it going to meet the Colts value? All of those things. Certainly nothing long-term with Houston and probably nothing really long-term for a guy like Autry who's 30 as well. So I'd say Autry a little bit more than Houston just with versatility, but that staff loves Justin Houston. And, you know, Evan, I don't know how much to put into it, but like there is a leadership element, I guess, with Justin Houston of a guy that, you know,

breaks down huddles and whatnot and you're losing some leadership offensively. Does that play into his value being a little bit more here? We've been telling you about Bilt Bar, the best tasting protein bar on the market for a while now. Bilt Bar is the amazing low-calorie, low-sugar, high-protein, high-fiber, amazing tasting protein bar with 100% chocolate on all the bars. Now it's time to find out which Bilt Bar is the best. It's time for Bilt Bar Madness. Today's matchup is Apple Almond Crisps vs. Churro Puff, as well as Peanut Butter Brownie vs. Raspberry.

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for the star quarterbacks. Listen to Locked on Seahawks and Locked on Texans on the Radio.com app or every year podcast. Looking overall, just at a general point with free and two at the Colts

that have operated since Chris Bowers come on board here, Kevin, is that they like to roll over a cap to the year after that, which in the Colts scenario, they have around $43.6 million according to over the cap right now.

Let's say they re-sign T.Y. Hilton and they re-sign Al-Qaidi Muhammad in their restricted free edge as well, puts them around $30 million left. I could honestly see, Kevin, after that, maybe you sign an edge rusher, but that could be it for the Colts. If they go out and just re-sign T.Y., add an edge rusher, add a cheap cornerback, they could roll over around $20 to $25 million again for next year. That's sort of just been from what we've seen in years past that's kind of what Chris Bauer does yeah and I think it's a really good point that you bring up and it's something that I tried to keep in mind when I was doing my offseason blueprint I didn't do it probably to the frugal nature that that Chris would like but you know when you're planning I think the back side of that plan which you always have to

acknowledge is what about Braden Smith what about Darius Leonard? I think Naeem Hines deserves an extension. Now, I get it. The, you know, the business of it might not call for it, but if you play in another position, you know, I think he'd be deserving of an extension there. But yeah, certainly Leonard and Smith are at the forefront there of, you know, how you handle that, how much you want left over, and then you're moving into the next year with Nelson and all of that so I do think that's key you know it's crazy you know 45 whatever the number ends up being it can go quick and it can really go quick if you throw out the names that you know some people want to be thrown out there I threw out Carl Lawson I know full well you'd be eating up a whole lot of that if you went down that path. But I feel like with a draft and how successful Chris has been there, you can

get a couple quality, impactful guys from day one out of that first and second round pick. You go big fish early on in free agency, a couple of those kind of whatever, little medium-sized fish. And then all of a sudden, I think you've taken care of that frontline need. But I think it's important to commit some resources. I know saving some, I get it to a degree, but I think you've reached kind of a critical point in this Ballard-Wright tenure where it's time to be a little bit more aggressive,

not only for their own good, but I think the franchise deserves it. I think some of the players in that locker room deserves it as well, and I think Carson Wentz needs it. Yeah, I was just about to ask you. That's a great segue there, Kevin. Just the aggressiveness point of it with free agency. We saw it a little bit last year with DeForest Buckner, and then you signed Phillip Ariza out of necessity

with how inconsistent Jacoby Brissett was in 2019. But do you think now with rolling the dice on Carson Wentz, maybe it is like you're sort of betting like you mentioned the last time you're on the show you're kind of betting on Frank Reich if you're Chris Bauer to keep your job and also Frank Reich's own job with saving Carson Wentz do you feel like at this point it's time to get a little more aggressive now with sort of that two-year window now in place where if Wentz does bomb out he might be on the hot seat yeah I think it's something new knowledge certainly we haven't seen, you know, panic or

desperation type of moves from this organization, really. And I know that's such kind of a hot word or kind of a scary word. But I think there's got to be a sense of urgency. You know, when you look around this conference, boy, there's some pretty well built football teams, there's some well built football teams, much more stable quarterback than you are. I think you just got to acknowledge reality. The Colts have great pieces in place. And I do think the foundation is on good ground. But at critical spots, some attention is needed. And I think when you look at the conference as a whole, while there's some internal questions within the division with two of those teams, boy, those final four teams and, you know and even teams that maybe didn't get there,

you still feel like they could be emerging. What are the Chargers going to look like in a couple of years? Just things like that. I think you just got to look at that and realize, all right, year five and year four respectively, that's not a guarantee it turns into year six and year five respectively, that's not a guarantee it turns into year six and year five respectively, something like that. So I just think you got to keep that in mind. And it'll be interesting to see if that impacts at all their decision making over the next couple months. Last two questions

here, Kevin, really appreciate the time. And you had on this before a couple minutes ago about the extensions and how that could impact the cap this year, because I imagine Darius Leonard is not going to play on his less than $1 million salary for this upcoming year if he gets extended he'll probably get a bigger payday which could impact their their salary cap this year as far as flexibility goes who are your predictions for extensions this year I know we still it's only the beginning of March so we still have time between now and training camp but I have to imagine Darius Leonard gets his Braden Smith gets his like you mentioned Naheem Hines well. This 2018 class is one where you're going to see a lot of extensions and a lot of big money going with how successful that draft class was for Indy.

And moving forward here, even in 2019, with Bobby O'Keefe and Curry Willis, and in 2020 down the road, Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr., if he ascends into a level we all think he can, it's going to be a lot of money doled out to their own the next two or three years. Yeah, I think Leonard and Nelson – or excuse me, Leonard and Smith, obvious. To me, those are no-brainers going into the contract year that they're in. Both have played at such a high level in different ways. They both carry themselves off the field in very important ways

for your locker room as well. I think Nelson, you wait. You got the fifth-year option on him. You go ahead and do that, you know, 2022 summer. And Hines would be the other guy that I'd throw under that list. You know, I wrote an article earlier this year. Those are the four names on it. Hines, I think deserves it again.

You know, Hines pointed out to me, it was kind of funny when I did an interview with him a few weeks ago, I was like, dude, it's crazy. You've never missed a game. He's like, I've never missed a practice. I'm like, wow. Yeah, I guess you haven't. Your agent needs to make that very clear to Chris Ballard. So, you know, Hines for the position he plays,

how unique of a skill set he is. I do think he's important to bring back. Now, I get it. It's running back. He's not necessarily a starter, quote, unquote. So you could probably wait there. But Smith and Leonard, no-brainers. Last one here for you, Kevin.

Just general thoughts on the 2021 offseason. The big move of quarterback Carson Wentz. Now the Colts have, again, some flexibility in free agency. They can make some moves as well in the draft. Just how important is this, obviously, now for the Colts and Chris Bauer? I thought we said this every year now, Kevin, how important it is. But now that sort of aggressive time clock has started, like we alluded to with the Carson Wentz trade, like it might be time to go now.

Yeah, time is now. You know, it's something I talked about last year. The time is now to prove yourself without Andrew Luck. Going 11-5, important step. Getting to the playoffs, an important step. Now it's, okay, what about this division that's, you know, eluded you really for now over a handful of years what about winning multiple playoff games or getting a home playoff game or you know getting into the divisional round

you know things like that I think are are key steps without Andrew Luck um to continue to progress as a franchise so it's critical um anytime you have the amount of cap space you do anytime you have the um I would say as many pieces in place like you feel like you do, any time you have the, I would say, as many pieces in place like you feel like you do. And to be frank, at the end of the day, we can debate all this. It's something that we mentioned late on today's podcast when we were recording. You know, Jim Irsay doesn't, you know, hide his expectations. And he's the one that ultimately matters.

And when he's saying it's a Super Bowl roster right now, you know, we could argue that, but that's the owner saying that. So he clearly has high expectations. So for Chris Bowers and Frank Reich, very important next few months, and certainly once you get in the season, it's important. You've kind of hitched your wagons a bit to Carson Wentz for the next couple of years. Do you provide enough support around him to help his confidence?

And if you can do that if you can make some january runs now this is a a duo that should continue to move into you know mid to late 2020s kevin awesome stuff as always man really enjoyed having you on today and for those out there who have not yet followed kevin on twitter go ahead and do so at kbo and 1070 must follow over there does great work over at 1070 107575. The fan of Colts Insider over there also covers the Pacers from time to time as well. Kevin, really appreciate it. And if you're on vacation down in Florida, go enjoy those golf courses.

I will, Evan. Like I was saying earlier, man, this is such a fun time of year. I know your audience and certainly you as well. Just awesome excitement to see them build up. It'll all be played out over the next few months, man. So congrats on the partnership with WTHR and

we'll see how it all plays out, man.