INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts have 13 unrestricted free agents: quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, receiver Reggie Wayne, receiver Hakeem Nicks, offensive lineman Joe Reitz, running back Ahmad Bradshaw, defensive lineman Cory Redding, defensive lineman Fili Moala, linebacker Andy Studebaker, cornerback Josh Gordy, cornerback Darius Butler, safety Sergio Brown, safety Mike Adams and safety Colt Anderson.
Moala, Studebaker and Gordy are probably the longshots to return. So with that said, we'll rank the Colts' top-10 free agents based on priority to re-sign them.
Anderson and Bradshaw were Nos. 10 and 9 on the list. Hasselbeck and Nicks were Nos. 8 and 7. Wayne and Reitz were Nos. 6 and 5.
4. DL Cory Redding
Stats: 16 games, 35 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one pass defended
Note: Redding said at the end of the season that he wasn't sure if he would return for a 13th season. “This kind of time table is something you can't put your finger on,” he said. “I can't say now or in a week or in two weeks. This is something that's very sensitive. This has been a big part of my life for over half my life, just playing football, so that decision is going to have to come on its own.” For as much as Redding does on the field for the Colts, his role inside the locker room is almost just as important. Cornerback Vontae Davis is the Colts' best defensive player. Safety Mike Adams is the leader of the secondary. But Redding is the emotional leader of the entire defense. The respect between Redding and coach Chuck Pagano is unmeasurable. The Colts can replace Redding's production on the field, but his leadership off of it will be tough to replace if he retires.
3. S Sergio Brown
Stats: 15 games 33 tackles, 1.0 sack, one fumble recovery, six passes defended
Note: Brown proved he was more than an exceptional special teams player when he stepped in for the suspended LaRon Landry (performance-enhancing drugs) and did a good enough during those four games that he kept the starting job for an additional five games after Landry's suspension ended. Brown is better in coverage than Landry and he focuses on the tackle rather than going for the big hit like Landry tends to do. Brown likely won't be a starter next season, but his skills on special teams alone are worth the Colts re-signing him.
