This is a young team that seems to be getting younger. The Colts focused on resigning their homegrown talent this offseason rather than going out and looking for big names elsewhere. It might not be sexy, but it is a great way to keep the growth of this team on schedule. Head hunting the big name free agents can set back a young team that’s not ready to win now.

But really, we all know the Colts are only going as far as Anthony Richardson takes them. He had a quick ending to last season, but showed flashes of being an electric playmaker. Besides refining his throwing motion and accuracy, Richardson is going to need to learn when and how to use his playmaking athleticism.

And that’s why I’m not a fan of the Joe Flacco signing. He certainly proved capable of continuing to be a quarterback in this league with his play at Cleveland last year. But Flacco has never been an athletic quarterback. He might be able to mentor Richardson on some of the finer points of throwing the football, but he’ll never be able to teach him how to use his other physical gifts to win football games.

Shane Steichen got the most out of a banged up and bruised team last year. I worry about the loss of Zack Moss in free agency. The running back room is young and being led by Jonathan Taylor. He’s talented, but often injured. Maybe as teams start their preseason cut downs the Colts can find a veteran running back to provide some leadership and depth. But even with Gardner Minshew II running the offense for most of the year, the Colts were able to finish in the top half of the league in yards and points. If Richardson can live up to his potential, this could be a very dangerous offense.

2024 Prediction: 8-9 3rd AFC South