LATEST REPORT: 6 free agent moves in the AFC South that Colts fans can laugh at

“What could be more satisfying than indulging in some rivalry-fueled pettiness? Free agency injects excitement into the NFL fandom, resembling a real-life Madden game where teams splash cash on players to forge dominant rosters.

While the dream of creating unstoppable super teams often remains just that—a dream—the spectacle is undeniably entertaining. This year’s free agency frenzy in the AFC South has been particularly noteworthy.

The Colts have been active in retaining their core players with lucrative extensions, the Texans have signaled their intent to contend by securing major signings, and the Titans have quietly emerged as big spenders, snagging the top wide receiver in the market. Despite the fleeting glory of these signings, there’s a certain satisfaction in watching rival teams grapple with the consequences of bloated contracts, especially when championships remain elusive.

As the initial fervor of free agency settles, NFL fans find themselves in a brief hiatus before the excitement of the Draft takes over in late April, providing ample time for playful banter on social media about divisional rivals’ signings. Here, we highlight six significant AFC South acquisitions that Colts supporters might enjoy poking fun at.”

Jacksonville Jaguars

1. Signing Gabe Davis to a three-year, $39 million contract

In one of the Jaguars’ most crucial seasons in recent memory, they are currently relying on a duo of Davis and Christian Kirk to make an impact. There’s hope that Kirk can rebound from a disappointing season where he played in only 12 games. Nevertheless, this presents a challenging situation for a team that needs to persuade Trevor Lawrence to stay beyond the upcoming season. Paying $39 million for a receiver who typically averages around 35 catches and 700 yards per season seems like a hefty investment. While Kirk is still young at 24, there’s a gamble involved in expecting him to step up and become a top-tier WR1. Especially considering that Pro Football Focus ranked him 61st out of 128 eligible wide receivers.

2. Signing LB Trevis Gipson

Perhaps this elicits more of a gentle chuckle rather than a hearty laugh, but the notion that Gipson will emerge as a dependable backup seems quite unlikely at this juncture. Following a promising season with the Bears, Gipson’s performance took a nosedive, and now, at 24, he finds himself with his third team in five years. Considering the Jaguars’ ample supply of pass rushers, this acquisition appears somewhat unnecessary given their existing depth at the position. Moreover, if they intended to nurture a player’s potential, wouldn’t it be more logical to invest in someone with greater room for growth, rather than someone who seems to have already reached a plateau?

Houston Texans

1. Signing LB Azeez Al-Shaair to a three-year, $34 million deal

“Al-Shaair has shown promise as a player, with notable contributions in San Francisco and Tennessee over the past few seasons. However, questioning whether he merits a $34 million contract is reasonable. Despite achieving over 100 tackles on only two occasions and never accumulating more than two sacks in a single season, he’s regarded as proficient in run defense. Yet, his Pro Football Focus grades suggest limitations in both pass-rushing and coverage abilities, making his compensation seem disproportionate to his skill level. While it’s not an uncommon scenario, the signing gives the impression that Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans may have been influenced by personal connections, having spent significant time together with Al-Shaair during their tenure with the 49ers.”

2. Signing CB Jeff Okudah to a one-year, $4.75 million deal.

Okudah serves as a prime illustration of the latitude afforded to former Top-5 overall picks. Despite being on his third team within five years, he has struggled with either injuries or ineffectiveness throughout his career. With only two career interceptions and just one season exceeding 50 tackles, he has yet to complete a full 17-game season. In his most recent stint with the Falcons, he played 13 games, starting nine, and ended up ranked 113th among cornerbacks by PFF. Considering the expectation that opposing teams will avoid targeting Derek Stingley Jr., there’s substantial pressure on Okudah, who has yet to demonstrate his capability to handle such a burden.

Tennessee Titans

1. Signing Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million contract

Ridley is undoubtedly talented, but the amount of money invested in him as he approaches 30, with a history of injuries, seems excessive. Additionally, the Titans are now committed to this contract long-term, while the Jaguars lose a key offensive asset. If Ridley continues to excel, especially against the Colts, it won’t be a laughing matter for Indianapolis. However, for now, watching intra-divisional chaos unfold from a distance is quite entertaining.

2. Signing Tony Pollard to a three-year, $24 million deal

Acknowledge the Titans for their commitment to spending this offseason, regardless of obstacles. It’s undeniably amusing to see them replace Derrick Henry with a similar deal for Pollard, even if there are logical football justifications for the move. Relying on Pollard to step into Henry’s shoes is a significant demand, and it’s uncertain whether it will pan out or if the Titans will end up paying $24 million for just one running back in a shared role. Nevertheless, extravagant contracts for running backs are currently a prime target for jest, and it’s only natural for NFL enthusiasts to seize the opportunity for some light-hearted banter.