:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63262048/usa_today_11261518.0.jpg)
The Indianapolis Colts have had a predictably quiet start to the 2019 NFL season. Only one outside free agent has signed to join the Colts. wide receiver Devin Funchess, and Chris Ballard has focused the rest of his time on tackling in-house options.
One of the players who received considerable praise from Ballard following the 2018 season was safety Clayton Geathers. A year removed from neck surgery, Geathers returned to the field for a productive season. He still struggled with physical ailments and rarely practiced during the season but he also played a role that no one else on the roster is particularly suited to play.
Recently, it was reported that Geathers was visiting the Dallas Cowboys to discuss the prospect of heading south. It has since been reported that he left Texas without a deal.
As I noted earlier today, Colts still in discussions with safety Clayton Geathers, whom they wanna bring back. Doesn't sound like he's leaving Dallas with a deal. https://t.co/lNvW2OrsAj
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 18, 2019
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Colts make some progress on signing Geathers to a new contract this week. I
Two outside free agent prospects have been tied to the Colts over the last few days. One, safety Kentrell Brice, visited Indianapolis as he toured potential suitors. Yesterday, it was reported that Brice has signed a one-year deal to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This move may go a step toward encouraging Ballard to re-sign Geathers.
The Bucs have signed former Packers safety Kentrell Brice to a one-year contract. https://t.co/yVRsmjP1yK
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) March 18, 2019
The only other outside free agent who has been directly tied to the Colts is veteran running back Jay Ajayi. He has experience in Frank Reich’s system and would offer something the Colts backfield doesn’t currently have, a tough between the tackles runner who can push the pile for extra yards. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL in October of 2018 and is likely still months away from returning full strength. New details indicate the Ajayi will be in Indianapolis on Wednesday for a physical.
Former Eagles’ RB Jay Ajayi is scheduled to visit the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2019
#Eagles FA RB Jay Ajayi is set to visit the #Colts next week, source said. One of the top backs available. Coming off a torn ACL, he’ll have a physical.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2019
As the second round of free agency gets under way and the market cools down, don’t be surprised to see the Colts get a little more involved. Ballard has a history of finding nice value later in the process, which includes a little before or soon after the NFL Draft.