With over forty million dollars in cap space, the Indianapolis Colts will be busy players throughout the free agency period. Bookmark this page and check back daily as The Game Changer brings you live updates and analysis of every notable free agent signing.

New Acquisitions

MLB D’Qwell Jackson (4 years, $22 million)

The Colts pulled this deal even before the free agency period officially began. Many are already criticizing Indianapolis for over paying the 31 year linebacker, but the skepticism seems premature. Jackson was the 7^th leading tackler in the NFL last year and will help a very porous Colts run defense. The linebacker’s contract is front loaded, with most of the 11 million dollars in guaranteed money coming in the first two seasons, a low-risk option with no long-term impact. Jackson will be a solid starter alongside Jerrell Freeman and will considerably improve the Colts defense.

DE Arthur Jones (5 years, $30 million)

Arthur Jones played under Chuck Pagano while he was the defensive coordinator in Baltimore. The two continue to have a close relationship, ultimately leading Jones to pick the Indianapolis Colts as his next team. With only 27 years of age and a familiarity with the Colts’ defensive scheme, Jones will instantly help improve the run defense, something he excelled at during the Ravens’ Super Bowl run in 2012. Jones will also be a long term replacement for the aging Cory Redding and will share playing time with fellow defensive ends, Ricky Jean-Francois and Fili Moala.

Hakeem Nicks (1 year,$3.5 million)

After early indication that the Colts were going after Eric Decker, Indianapolis signed Hakeem Nicks to a relatively cheap contract. After averaging more than 1000 yards a season in his first three years, Hakeem Nicks took a back seat to Victor Cruz and Reuben Randle during the past two years. He was unable to find the endzone last season and will turn to Andrew Luck to revive his career. Hakeem Nicks is a medium sized, strong receiver. As a redzone threat, he will be a great compliment to a speedy TY Hilton and a precision route runner, Reggie Wayne. Expect him to be the number two receiver with Hilton in the slot. With only 26 years of age, Hakeem Nicks has a chance to be a long term option of the Indianapolis Colts. Once a number one receiver with the Giants, Nicks will have a chance to flourish along side a young, but talented Colts offense.

Re-Signings

P Pat McAfee (5 years, $14 million)

The punter announced his new deal on the football talk show, NFL AM, brining joy to Colts fans everywhere. He’s a local fan favorite and one of the league’s best punters, as shown by his lucrative contract. After being franchise-tagged last season, it’s good to see McAfee locked in long term for the Colts.

K Adam Vinatieri (2 years)

Even with 41 years of age, Adam Vinatieri remains one of the NFL’s most solid kickers.  He converted 35 of 40 field goal attempts, including 4 of 6 beyond 50 yards, a career best.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw (1 year)

It came as a surprise that Ahmad Bradshaw was resigned to the Colts so quickly given his history with injuries, but the signing makes a lot of sense. Bradshaw was an impact player during the first three games of the season before he was placed on injured reserve. Bradshaw provides veteran depth behind two young running backs, Trent Richardson and Vick Ballard, who will be competing for the starting spot. If Bradshaw can stay healthy, he’ll be a huge asset for the Colts’ running game next season.

CB Vontae Davis (4 years, $39 million)

After weeks of assurance that a deal would be done with Davis, there were reports early in the free agency period that Davis might sign with another team. Fortunately for the Colts, they were able to sign him to a long term deal. Davis was rated the 3^rd best corner by ProFootballTalk last season and was clearly the team’s number one cornerback. At his best, he’s a shutdown corner capable of taking the opposing team’s top receiver out of the game. There are often times when Davis takes many risks, leading to big plays in the open field, but expect him to only improve and get smarter in that regard, as he is still just 25 years old. The abundance of top cornerbacks in this year’s market sure didn’t make his contract any cheaper, but Davis will prove to be well-worth the money once he takes to field.

DE Fili Moala (1 year)

Fili Moala is signed to a one year deal for the second year in a row. Moala is a solid defensive lineman and has been on the Colts for almost five years now. He’s a veteran that will look to share minutes with Cory Redding, Ricky Jean-Francois, and newcomer Arthur Jones.

FS Sergio Brown (1 year)

Sergio Brown played an important role backing up Antoine Bethea and LaRon Landry, especially when they were injured. Brown is also the team’s best special team player, recording 9 tackles and 1 fumble recovery.

Releases

FS Antoine Bethea (signed with 49ers)

This was a smart move by the Indianapolis Colts; Bethea’s age was beginning to become a concern as he was becoming more of a liability in pass coverage. This opens a vacancy that Indianapolis will look to address, Jarius Byrd or T.J. Ward, anyone?

C Samson Satelle

Expected to earn almost 5 million dollars this season, Samson Satelle was an expected cut from the Indianapolis front office. Satelle was part of a weak interior offensive line that led to poor run-blocking and minimal pass protection. Alex Mack, Brian de la Puente, and Evan Dietrich-Smith are all excellent, but expensive options to replace Satelle.