National Football League

Indianapolis Colts free agency preview: Get Andrew Luck some help

Published Feb. 27, 2015 10:50 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

Falling short in the AFC title game wasn't how head coach Chuck Pagano imagined last season ending.

The Indianapolis Colts will look to find some more balance on offense by enhancing their offensive line and unleashing a new group of running backs. Trent Richardson has been a bust and veteran Ahmad Bradshaw is scheduled to hit free agency.

With quarterback Andrew Luck showing progress in each of his first three seasons, it's time for the team to hand him an extension befitting a franchise quarterback. Beyond that, the defense has struggled to find an identity in recent seasons and creating a pass rush will be of priority.

How they finished:

2014: 11-5 -- Loss in conference round against New England

2013: 11-5 -- Loss in divisional round against New England

Projected salary cap space as of Feb. 1 (per Spotrac.com): 7th most with $30.6M

Potential free agency targets: Adding some players who can help in pass protection should be of importance. Luck, the team's prized player, has been sacked a combined 100 times in three seasons and has avoided much more oncoming contact by using his legs. Bringing in athletic, versatile linemen who can assist in making this offense less one-dimensional is a must. Look for Green Bay's Bryan Bulaga and St. Louis' Joe Barksdale to be compelling options.

Potential cap casualties: By giving Richardson a two-game suspension in January, the Colts are able to remove the guarantees from the running back's $3.1 million salary. Richardson hasn't displayed any burst since arriving to Indianapolis and the Colts may want to cut their losses this offseason.

Offseason needs: OL, LB, S

Notable free agents:

RB Ahmad Bradshaw

WR Reggie Wayne

WR Hakeem Nicks

OL Joe Reitz

DL Cory Redding

DL Fili Moala

CB Darius Butler

S Sergio Brown

S Mike Adams

S Colt Anderson