Colts general manager Chris Ballard has been very busy during his first offseason on the job. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports tweets that the executive has been very active in free agency. The Colts are particularly interested in retaining safety Darius Butler and running back Robert Turbin. Meanwhile, the team is also exploring top defensive free agents like linebacker Nick Perry and defensive tackle Dontari Poe.
Butler has established himself as one of the Colts’ most reliable defensive backs since joining the team in 2012. Last season, the 30-year-old finished with 33 tackles, seven passes defended, and three interceptions. Butler was listed fourth in our rankings of the best free agent safeties.
Turbin had one of his most productive NFL seasons in 2016, running for 164 yards and seven touchdowns. The 27-year-old also collected a career-high 26 receptions to go along with 179 yards and one score. The Colts could certainly use some reinforcement at the position, as the team is only rostering two running backs in Frank Gore and Josh Ferguson.
Perry was listed as our best available edge defender, while Poe was ranked fourth among interior defensive lineman. The Colts could use some help on the defensive line, as Hassan Ridgeway, T.Y. McGill, and Henry Anderson are currently slotted in as the starters.