He’s no longer listed as out because of a personal matter. It’s now the non football illness list. I would hate to guess what’s going on with him, but it doesn’t seem like this is some sort of personal vacation with him. With any luck, the illness isn’t potentially terminal.

I thought Goncalves was decent which makes the decision on Smith that much easier.

As for the rest, Dulin, Stuard, Rigo, and Fries would be worth resigning. Maybe Dayo.

Fries, no question. There are only so many premium draft picks, and I don’t want to use one on a position where I already have a solution.

Second, Ryan Kelly. I know he’s over 30, and you usually avoid those guys like the plague; but…. The line play is much more cohesive and effective when he’s on the field. With any luck, Tanor Bortolini develops, but the bottom line is that 2025 is a make or break season. If Anthony Richardson doesn’t make the leap, heads will roll, starting with the general manager and head coach. If I’m the GM, my highest priority is to give Anthony Richardson a clean pocket.

At 30 years old, EJ Speed is someone I bring back if the price is right, if for no other reason than not signing him would create a hole that would have to be filled. I don’t kid myself…Linebacker is a real need. We simply have to find someone who stands a glimmer of a chance of covering opposing Tight Ends and Running Backs. But to me, that’s a midterm issue, not something that sits on the front burner.

Dayo Odeyingbo is a clear maybe. I could be wrong, but I see potential, and I wonder if he’d be more effective in a different system, with a different defensive coordinator. Right now, the day after the season ended, Gus Bradley‘s status is up in the air. If Gus is gone, whoever replaces him might be able to better utilize Dayo.

Dulin and Stuard for their value on special teams.

Just curious. Kelly is a free agent. What would be your offer/solution for keeping him?

4 year deal structured so that he can be cut after year 2 with little pain. $10 Million signing bonus with a minimum first year salary. First year cap hit around $4 Million. 2nd year cap hit $6 Million, 3rd year $8 Million, 4th year $12 Million.

To prettify it up and pad the value to make it look more lucrative, toss in a few workout bonuses, guarantee the first year and year 2 for injury, add a bonus for making the pro bowl, and a roster bonus in year 4.

In total, a partially guaranteed $40 Million over 4 years. In reality, 2 years $16 Million.

bringing back Kelly and speed is moronic.

especially speed. dude should have been cut weeks ago. he sucks

On MacAfee just now they had a bit on Payton's decision of picking Nix and their confidence in him. 3 GREAT statements stood out:

1- We don't want to pick linebackers that can't tackle
2- We don't want WR's that can't catch
3- We don't want a QB that isn't accurate. Accuracy is everything.

Then went on to talk about the huge # of passes they had him throw for them. Started talking about how EVERY short pass he threw, which are the passes that have to be accurate were on the correct shoulder and they knew they had the guy they wanted.

Imagine this same conversation with Ballard:
1- We don't really think tackling is the main trait in a linebacker. We like guys that are really focused on mic skills. If they can spit a good game, then they are gonna be good backers. We want guys with personality, guys that make a lot of noise about themselves. Self Promotion is a trait we really value in our guys!
2- WR's, catching is probably a bit overrated. We have a guy in mind, during the draft prep he told us he liked to check out chicks on IG as a priority, and who doesn't, and he also said he thought his catching skills were good and we believe him, so we're pretty sure he is our guy.
3- Well QB accuracy, that's something I think people USED to worry about. I don't think accuracy is something we are really gonna put a lot of value on in the QB analysis. We are looking for big guys with big arms and big holes that we will never be able to fill.

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Gus Bradley remains the Colts DC

FUCK YOU JIM IRSAY!

Ryan Kelly has been the Colts center for 9 years and in only 1 of those seasons has he played in every game. This past year he played in just under 60% of the games. He was a great center, but his body has taken a toll and I expect that if he doesn't retire, he won't play in even 50% of his games next season. I can't see bringing him back.

I don’t see Speed as a long term answer, but I don’t want to spend much draft capital on the position…this year. If I sign him, it’s to a short term deal at a minimum number. I might feel differently if there was a lot of depth at LB.

As far as Kelly is concerned, bringing him back might be moronic, but I’m not foolish enough to depend on Tanor Bartolini making the leap, being ready to step up and play at a high level.