Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
INDIANAPOLIS — As expected, the Indianapolis Colts have not been very active in the 2016 offseason free-agent derby.
The Colts have made a few moves, adding cornerback Patrick Robinson (San Diego), running backs Jordan Toddman (Pittsburgh) and Robert Turbin (Dallas) and quarterback Scott Tolzien (Green Bay).
General manager Ryan Grigson had been more of a player in the free-agent market his first four years with the team. But Grigson has opted to take a lower profile this year with an eye on giving quarterback Andrew Luck a new contract this summer.
This year, the Colts are pinning their hopes on the 2016 draft.
Indianapolis did re-sign veteran kicker Adam Vinatieri and tight end Dwayne Allen as the team’s primary offseason objectives.
Getting better upfront on the offensive line remains among the team’s top draft priorities.
“Obviously we need to protect our quarterback better. There are a lot of different ways to do that. I think that every team in this league knows, no matter if you have a line full of (first round picks), your quarterback is going to get hit,” Grigson said at the NFL Combine.
“You have to find ways, whether it be through acquiring better talent, smarter players, schemes. There are a lot of different ways to protect your quarterback. Obviously, drafting is a very key component to building an offensive line.”
Despite finishing with an 8-8 season last year, the Colts’ general manager thinks that there are more than enough pieces in place to contend for the AFC crown in 2016.
“This past year (2014) we were one game from the Super Bowl. (In 2015, we) played the two teams in the Super Bowl,” Grigson said.
“We beat one, played one nose-to-nose into overtime. When we had our quarterback, we felt like we had the pieces to get where we wanted to go. But you’re always trying to get better. Everyday you’re trying to get better. That’s what we’ve been charged to do.”
But patience remains the key for the Colts heading into next season.
“I guess (finishing 8-8) teaches you patience. But when you win 11 games that first year — now if you win five that’s more conducive to creating an air of patience within you,” Grigson said.
“You win 11, you have Andrew (Luck), you finally have some money in free agency. That all speaks to getting over the hump sooner than later.”
