The Indianapolis Colts have had a relatively quiet offseason compared to other NFL teams, but general manager Chris Ballard aggressively tried to sign free agent Danielle Hunter, according to a recent report.
ESPN Colts insider Stephen Holder discussed Ballard’s offseason strategy in an article published on Tuesday, March 26. In the article, Holder mentioned that the Colts had actually offered more money to Hunter in free agency, but he had chosen to take less to join the Houston Texans.
“The Colts earnestly pursued Vikings free agent pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, even offering him more money than the Houston Texans — a two-year, $49 million ($48 million guaranteed) deal — ultimately gave him, according to a team source,” Holder wrote. “But after that failed pursuit and considering other potential moves, the Colts had some decisions to make on their own free agents before they availed themselves of alternatives.”
Losing out on a top free agent hurts, but losing out on a player like Hunter to a divisional rival will be especially challenging for Ballard.
Danielle Hunter Likely Wanted To Come Back Home
Money isn’t always the most crucial factor in free agency, and that seems to be the situation for Hunter.
Despite being offered more money by the Colts, Hunter chose to go to Houston on an almost fully-guaranteed agreement. In addition to the guaranteed money, the lack of state income tax in Texas could mean that Hunter will actually earn more with the Texans than what he was offered by Indianapolis.
Furthermore, Hunter grew up just west of Houston and attended Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas. The possibility of returning home likely influenced Hunter's decision in free agency.
“It means a lot,” Hunter said after joining the Texans. “It’s an honor to be able to come back and play in front of my family and all the people that I grew up with. I know they’ve been pretty excited about the news lately. They’ll finally be able to come to a game and see me play.”
Hunter was a 4-star recruit in high school. While he had offers from in-state programs like Houston and Texas Tech, he ultimately decided to head out of state to play for the LSU Tigers.
After a successful college career, Hunter was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro selection in 2018 during a productive nine seasons with the franchise.
Now, Hunter is looking forward to the next phase of his career while returning home.
Joe Flacco Highlights Colts Free Agency Period
The Colts have been more focused on re-signing their own players instead of pursuing other top free agents. Only two free agents from outside of the building have been signed, with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco.
Flacco agreeing to a one-year contract worth up to $8.7 million with the Colts. The 39-year-old will likely serve as the team’s backup quarterback, but could be prepared to step in as starting quarterback Anthony Richardson continues to recover from a season-ending shoulder injury.
Former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Raekwon Davis is the sole other significant free agent acquisition for the Colts. He agreed to a two-year contract valued at a maximum of $14 million, aiming to make a difference on the defensive line alongside DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
