Now that the Indianapolis Colts have fortified their roster via the draft and free agency, they could use a few more tweaks to improve their chances in the upcoming 2023 NFL season.

The additions of Anthony Richardson, JuJu Brents, Josh Downs, Blake Freeland, Gardner Minshew, Matt Gay, Samson Ebukam, Isaiah McKenzie, and Breshad Perriman make the Horseshoe more competitive.  However, tapping the services of several veteran free agents will help iron out the kinks and take their game to the next level.

Let’s break down three potential free agents Colts GM Chris Ballard and Co. should size up before the season kicks off in the fall.

LB Myles Jack 

While it’s great to have middle linebacker Shaquille Leonard back in harness, the Indianapolis Colts could use some more depth at linebacker because of the loss of Bobby Okereke to the New York Giants.

Leonard and Zaire Franklin give the Horseshoe formidable linebacker tandem for the upcoming 2023 NFL season. Franklin had a team-high 167 tackles in 2022. Okereke wasn’t far behind with 151. Clearly, somebody has to fill Okereke’s massive shoes.

Enter veteran linebacker, Myles Jack.

Jack, who spent the first six of his seven-year NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is coming off a disappointing one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After amassing 6.5 sacks, 671 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions from 2016 to 2021, Jack mustered just 104 tackles and three tackles for loss with Pittsburgh last season.

Consequently, the Steelers released him on March 16.

The knock against Jack is his lack of big-time playmaking ability. The challenge for Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is to make Jack play to his full potential. When Jack is locked in, he can make a difference on defense for the Horseshoe.

Don’t expect Jack to fill Okereke’s shoes, however. If Jack steps up as a role player on defense, that will go a long way for Indy.

DE Robert Quinn 

Expect Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye to become Indy’s starting edge rushers in 2023. The release of Yannick Ngakoue is a bit baffling, considering he led the Colts in sacks (9.5) last season. In hindsight, Ngakoue will command a salary in the $15 million range in 2023 so it was a salary-cap move on Ballard’s part.

Will the Colts eventually re-sign Ngakoue? That is an enticing possibility, to say the least. He’s just 28 years old and has plenty of gas left in the tank.  ESPN’s Field Yates predicted Indy would re-sign him this season. Unfortunately, that hasn’t materialized yet.

If the Indianapolis Colts fail to re-sign Ngakoue, Robert Quinn fits the bill perfectly at edge rusher. The 13-year veteran has impressive credentials: he’s a three-time Pro Bowler, 2013 First-Team All-Pro selection, and a 2021 Second-Team All-Pro selection.

Quinn recorded 18.5 sacks (the second-most in his career) with the Chicago Bears in 2021. Although Quinn’s production plummeted dramatically the following season, he can play a pivotal role for the Colts in case Ebukam or Paye fail to live up to lofty expectations.

CB Marcus Peters 

One of the Indianapolis Colts’ most glaring needs prior to the 2023 NFL Draft was the cornerback position in the wake of five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore’s trade to the Dallas Cowboys in March. At the time, Indy’s most reliable defensive backs were Isaiah Rodgers, Sr., and Kenny Moore.

Ballard and Co. wisely stocked up on rookie cornerbacks Julius Brents, Darius Rush, and Jaylon Jones in the draft. However, the Colts need more insurance at cornerback following news of Rodgers’ alleged betting on football breaking out earlier this month. If investigations prove Rodgers was guilty, the league will come down hard with a hefty fine and/or suspension. Worse, it’s possible the Indianapolis Colts may have seen the. last of Rodgers wearing the Horseshoe.

With Rodgers temporarily out of commission, veteran defensive back Marcus Peters isn’t just poised for a bounce-back season, but he could also provide leadership to Indy’s young cornerback crops in 2023.

Just like Quinn, Peters has an impressive resume: the latter is a three-time Pro Bowler, a two-time First-Team All-Pro selection, and a two-time Second-Team All-Pro selection. Peters’ eight interceptions helped clinch his NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015.

Marcus Peters could be a great addition to the Indianapolis Colts

Former Ravens CB Marcus Peters – Abbie Parr/Getty Images

Unfortunately, that seemed so long ago. Peters has struggled in recent years. Worse, he missed the entire 2021 NFL season due to an ACL tear.

The ill effects of that injury were evident when he suited up for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. Peters was obviously a step slower   – he had just one interception and six pass breakups in thirteen games. At first glance, it seems like a major red flag for Ballard and the Colts.

However, Peters could thrive in a supporting role with the Indianapolis Colts secondary while mentoring and watching guys like Brents, Rush, and Jones flourish. If Peters could show glimpses of his previous potential, he would give Indy a huge lift.

Jack, Quinn, or Peters Could Help the Indianapolis Colts’ Cause in 2023

Myles Jack was far worse for Steelers than most fans realize

Former Steelers LB Myles Jack (51) – Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts have certainly done their homework as the 2023 NFL season draws near. They have signed several noteworthy free agents and came away with their most impressive draft haul in years.

If Indy plugs a few holes on defense, they’re going to become a more competitive unit in the fall.  Considering veteran free agents Myles Jack, Robert Quinn, and Marcus Peters will give the Horseshoe a valuable edge when football season kicks off in a few months.