Indianapolis Colts Should Let Safety Mike Adams Walk
By Kyle Nishida
Indianapolis Colts’ safety Mike Adams has been one of their most productive defensive players over the past few seasons. However, it is time they part ways with the veteran.
Adams was one of former general manager Ryan Grigson‘s good free agent signs. Adams joined the team in 2014 on a one-year deal. After a solid season that year, the Colts gave him a two-year extension.
This offseason, he is once again set to hit the free agent market. The team could re-sign him again, but unfortunately, this is the year it needs to part ways with the veteran safety.
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He turns 36 in March. Adams does keep himself in really good shape, and durability has not been a huge concern for him in his three seasons with Indianapolis. However, the franchise desperately needs to get younger and more athletic.
As a result, some hard decisions need to be made, and Adams does not fit the direction the Colts want to move in.
Adams still has the ability to play safety. However, he will hit a wall at some point considering he is 35 years old. With so much riding on next season, the Colts’ cannot risk his body finally breaking down in 2017.
The one argument to bringing Adams back is the Colts need to have veteran insurance at safety. T.J. Green is supposed to be their future starting safety, but he was terrible in 2016. Some people want to bring back Adams in case Green continues to struggle.
On the flip side, Indianapolis may already have a younger, veteran replacement for Adams. Defensive back Darius Butler played safety and corner back in 2016. He may not have the skills to play corner anymore, but he is still capable of being a decent safety.
Butler turns 31 years old in March and is also a free agent this summer. Re-signing him would make more sense than re-signing Adams.
With new general manager Chris Ballard joining the franchise, there is a strong likelihood wholesale changes could be coming this offseason. Adams could be and should be one of the casualties from this front office move.
Next: Colts Hire Chris Ballard as their Next General Manager
The Colts need to get younger and keeping a 36-year-old Adams does not help them achieve that goal. Adams has been a great team player over the past three seasons, but Indianapolis should not count on him for a fourth season.