Horseshoe Heroes

The Indianapolis Colts, led by current general manager Chris Ballard, were a little more active than usual during the opening of the NFL's free agency period signing five outside free agents during the opening days. The Colts first signed kicker Matt Gay to a four-year $22.5 million contract completing the largest free agency signing of any kicker in NFL history. Indianapolis followed that up with a few more equitable signings, agreeing to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew on a one-year $3.5 million deal. Ballard was also able to land some help on the defensive line in former San Francisco 49er Samson Ebukam and former Cleveland Brown Taven Bryan. Recently the Colts dipped into the wide receiver market, signing former Buffalo Bill Isaiah McKenzie. While these signings added some depth and filled some holes, Indy brought back a few of their own. On the defensive end, the team retained Tyquan Lewis, EJ Speed, and Tony Brown. On the offensive side, they retained Carter O'Donnell and Ashton Dulin. During this time the team released Matt Ryan, traded Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys, and had Parris Campbell and Bobby Okereke sign with the New York Giants. The Las Vegas Raiders also did the team a favor by taking back Brandon Facyson.