The Indianapolis Colts have made it clear that they aren’t afraid of handing out contract extensions to players they feel deserve it—even if said player has a full season ahead under contract.
General manager Chris Ballard has made that move several times in the past, most notably with cornerback Kenny Moore and punter Rigoberto Sanchez during the 2019 offseason.
The Colts have 24 players entering a contract year as unrestricted free agents, but there are a few that stand out. Some of them could wind up getting a new deal before the 2020 season arrives, but most of them are likely proving they deserve another deal.
It may only happen to one of them. It may not happen to any of them. But here are four Colts most likely to receive a contract extension before the 2020 season:
Ryan Kelly | OL | Age: 26
The 2016 first-round pick out of Alabama turns 27 years old at the end of the month and is currently playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. If there is one player most likely to get a contract extension before the 2020 season starts, it’s Kelly.
Though he had a two-season stretch where injuries were becoming a massive concern, Kelly bounced back in a big way for the 2019 campaign. He started all 16 games anchoring the offensive line for the Colts while playing on 94.5% of the team’s offensive snaps.
He was extremely efficient as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Kelly allowed just one sack on 591 pass-blocking snaps in 2019. He proved he could be reliable and productive while excelling at one of the most difficult positions in the game of football.
The offensive line is the strength of the Colts offense. Keeping that continuity going is essential, and Kelly’s production isn’t easy to come by.
The Colts might not want to wait and see if Kelly can produce again like he did in 2019. If he does, his value on the market will be as high as its ever been.
T.Y. Hilton | WR | Age: 30
Entering his age-31 season, Hilton has still been a very productive wide receiver for the Colts. He’s capable of carrying a passing offense with a reliable quarterback, but he didn’t get that during the 2019 season after the disappointing campaign for Jacoby Brissett. He’s also dealt with injuries during the past two seasons, which is certainly a concern.
If the Colts had to choose between extending Hilton or letting him walk in 2021, the answer is rather easy. They would opt to bring him back. Though injuries are a concern, Hilton is still a very productive pass-catcher. He is getting up there in age but when he’s healthy, the production is still there.
It’s less likely that Hilton gets another contract extension before the season because of the injuries he’s dealt with during the last two seasons. They haven’t been overly significant, but the rate at which they are happening is alarming. It would be more likely that the Colts see how he fares during the regular season before giving him a new deal.
That said, Hilton is still the go-to option in the passing game. If he proves healthy in 2020, he can continue to be that. The health is likely what would keep Hilton from getting an extension before the season, but there is still a chance it happens.
Anthony Walker Jr. | LB | Age: 24
Before the season starts, Walker Jr. will be entering his age-25 campaign. He was a part of the 2017 draft class for the Colts and one of the few that has remained in the team’s good graces. After Malik Hooker’s fifth-year option was declined, Walker Jr. may be the first of this class to get a second contract.
Walker Jr. has been a huge part of the defense during the last two seasons. He emerged as a starter in 2018 and has been the quarterback of the unit since. Though he is somewhat limited in coverage, Walker Jr. is a strong run defender and impeccable leader in the middle of the defense.
That said, it would be more likely that the Colts don’t extend Walker Jr. before the season. While there is certainly a chance given what he brings to the field and the locker room, the Colts might be waiting to see who wins the battle at MIKE linebacker between him and second-year defender Bobby Okereke.
When comparing the two players, Okereke is the better fit and has higher upside. Walker Jr. may have better instincts, but Okereke is the better fit. That could lead the Colts to play out Walker Jr.’s contract year to see what type of impact he makes if Okereke continues to emerge as a contributor—like he did during the second half of the 2019 season.
Grover Stewart | DT | Age: 26
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Stewart will turn 27 years old in October. After making a minimal impact during his first two seasons, the Albany product emerged as a solid piece in the middle of the Colts defensive line, proving to be a strong contributor as a one-technique.
The Colts currently only have two nose tackles on the roster: Stewart and Sheldon Day, both of which are free agents following the 2020 season. An extension for Stewart wouldn’t be expensive. He’s a rotational piece at a non-premium position, but the Colts might still want to secure his talents for the next few seasons.
Stewart is limited as a pass rusher, but he’s still growing and has plenty of room to improve. He hasn’t hit his ceiling quite yet and his improvements against the run bode well for his projection in 2020 and beyond.
Depending on how the Colts feel about their interior defensive line, a small extension for Stewart could be in the works ahead of the regular season.
