NFL free agency: Spencer Ware visits Indianapolis Colts

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware is spending time auditioning for a familiar face in Chris Ballard, now the GM for the Colts.

Spencer Ware’s free agent tour continued this week with a reported visit to the Indianapolis Colts, per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.

Ware, a former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, earned a look from the Colts as the team seeks to round out its offensive backfield. It helps that the man in charge, general manager Chris Ballard, is a former executive with the Chiefs who knows Ware quite well already.

Ware has already visited the Detroit Lions in free agency and perhaps there are other destinations that have also entered the picture. Ware has often been a tandem back capable of taking over lead duties for long stretches when called upon in years past, and the interested teams are likely looking for Ware to occupy a similar role with younger runners beside him.

Indy drafted a pair of backs last year that showed promise in Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins. The team also has Marlon Mack as the main running back at this point, but adding Ware would give them an experienced rusher who could provide meaningful reps when Mack is on the sideline. Wilkins looked great in a limited role (5.6 yards/carry) but apparently the Colts are still looking for more production at the position next to Mack. Hines is a scatback with excellent hands out of the backfield but struggles when tasked with moving the chains on his own.

Ware had only 51 carries for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns last year as Kareem Hunt dominated the depth chart with snaps taken before his release. Then surprisingly, Damien Williams took over where Hunt left off and provided an unexpected offensive spark down the stretch. Ware was deemed expendable and allowed to walk in free agency as the Chiefs reloaded by giving Williams an extension and signing Carlos Hyde to a one-year deal.