The Indianapolis Colts No. 1 priority from here on out is to make the transition to the NFL as easy as possible for quarterback Anthony Richardson. After using the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on him, the Colts are going to do everything they can to ensure that he reaches his high ceiling.
One way to help him in his development is surrounding him with a good set of skill position players. Indianapolis has some solid pieces already in place. Jonathan Taylor remains the go-to option in the backfield and when healthy is among the best running backs in the NFL.
In the passing game, wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce have been joined by 2023 third-round pick Josh Downs. Tight end Jelani Woods showed flashes as a rookie in 2022 as well, catching 25 of his 40 targets for 312 yards and three touchdowns.
Woods will now be receiving some help at the tight end position as the Colts have made a move in free agency. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Indianapolis has signed free agent tight end, Kaden Smith.
To make room on the roster, the Colts released offensive guard Harris LaChance, who went undrafted out of BYU in 2022. It has been a little while since we have seen Smith on an NFL field as he has dealt with injuries.
He missed the entire 2022 campaign after being waived by the New York Giants last March with a failed physical designation. He had spent the previous three seasons with Big Blue, making an impact in 2019 but seeing his playing time dwindle in the years after.
Smith was originally selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft but never suited up for the team. He was waived as a rookie and claimed by the Giants, where he put together a strong rookie campaign.
In nine games in 2019, he caught 31 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. He has failed to replicate that production since, as he didn’t even reach those numbers in the next two seasons combined.
The Colts are hoping to catch some lightning in a bottle with this addition. Smith has shown capable of producing at this level and it will be interesting to see what he has to offer after being sidelined for more than a year with an injury.
