A project at the QB position in every sense of the word, Anthony Richardson has a developmental curve but the initial returns are as exciting as they are frustrating. Costing a cap hit of just $9,271,099, the Colts will bear with the frustration as long as the development is on the right track.
After missing an entire season with injury, the future looks murky for Samson Ebukam. But if he can return to his 2023 form, he'll be a valuable addition at a cap hit of $10.49 million next season.
For an Indianapolis team that just missed out on a playoff appearance, it was the defense that played a major factor in their success, with cornerback Kenny Moore II having a strong season. He walks into next season with a bargain of a contract, with a cap hit of $10,750,000.
Alongside Moore, it was Kwity Paye at the defensive end position providing valuable contributions to the Colts. He too is relatively cheap going into next season with a cap hit worth $13,387,000.
It wasn't just in the secondary that the Colts defense was making a living. Names like Grover Stewart gave them a strong defensive front line as well, which should continue into next season as Stewart comes in with a cap hit of just $14.25 million.
Swept under the Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley hype was the phenomenal season from Jonathan Taylor, who comes in extremely cheap just like those two men with a cap hit of just $15,562,000.
Despite severely compromised QB play, Braden Smith was among the better right tackles on the offensive line and he should be good for next season as a Colt with a cap hit worth $19.75 million.
Next to Smith, Quenton Nelson also had a strong season at the guard spot and next season, he will be one of the more expensive players on the squad, carrying a cap hit of $22,763,059.
Paid like a top of the line receiver, Michael Pittman Jr will be hoping for more consistent production from the quarterback spot. He comes in next season carrying a cap hit worth $22,763,059.
The leader of their dominant defense last season, DeForest Buckner has been elite for the Indianapolis Colts and is set to have a cap hit of $26.6 million.
