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INDIANAPOLIS – We are less than two months away from NFL free agency beginning.
Over the next few weeks, you will start to see some teams take care of unrestricted free agents that they want to bring back.
For the Colts, they have 12 unrestricted free agents, with not a lot of guarantees on who to definitely bring back.
Joe Haeg Free Agent Watch
On 90 percent of NFL teams, the 6th offensive lineman plays an extremely valuable role at various points in a 16-game season.
But thanks to the Colts incredible health of their starting offensive line in 2019, they didn’t really need Joe Haeg.
Haeg, the top backup at multiple spots, played just 74 offensive snaps in 2019 (a little more than 4 per game).
This isn’t a knock on Haeg, it’s just that the Colts had no room for him, outside of an occasional in-game sub, or a play or two as an extra lineman.
A 5th round pick of the Colts in 2016, Haeg started 29 of 31 games played in his first two seasons, and made 6 starts in 2018.
With Chris Ballard committing more resources to the offensive line, Haeg has fallen out of the starting lineup, but he still has an important role, as just one play away from seeing a huge increase in playing time.
Heading into his first free agency this offseason, Haeg is at an interesting crossroads.
It would appear the Colts would want him to return, as that valuable and versatile reserve. Ballard has stated the need to solidify the depth up front, with several backup offensive linemen hitting free agency.
But will Haeg want to test the open market, and see if he can go someplace where competing for a starting job is waiting?
The Colts having all five offensive linemen start every single game last year was rare.
That’s why a return of Haeg would be key for the Colts in 2020.
Anthony Castonzo Free Agent Watch
Devin Funchess Free Agent Watch
Jabaal Sheard Free Agent Watch
