The Indianapolis Colts are halfway through the 2019 season and while they will be making a push for the playoffs in the second half, we can take a peek at what might be to come during the offseason.
The Colts have made it clear they have no issues handing out contract extensions to those they feel deserve it. They rewarded several players last offseason with new deals before the expiration of their current contracts.
We are also going to lump those that are set to hit free agency but have earned another contract with the Colts. It still would technically be an extension if done before the new league year. We won’t include restricted or exclusive rights free agents because they are likely to be tendered.
Here are five Colts that are earning contract extensions:
RB Marlon Mack
If there is one objective the Colts should achieve this offseason, it is getting a new deal done for Mack. As 2020 will be the final year of his rookie contract, Mack would do extremely well in the open market. He’s been incredibly productive over the last two seasons and has become a focal point of the offense.
Mack has turned into the true workhorse the Colts envisioned him as entering this offseason. Getting an extension done would not only lock up the leader of the backfield, but it would likely get him cheaper than if he were to hit the open market.
General manager Chris Ballard is very open with rewarding players that have produced well, and Mack should be among them this offseason.
TE Jack Doyle
This would fall under the new contract term but if a deal gets done before the new league year, it would technically be an extension. Semantics. The Colts don’t quite have a future at tight end, which means Doyle could be brought back.
In the final year of the extension he signed in 2017, Doyle is an integral part of the Colts offense. Whether it’s as a run blocker or a safety valve for quarterback Jacoby Brissett, Doyle is as steady as they come. With question marks surrounding Eric Ebron’s future and Mo Alie-Cox still developing, the Colts will need some stability.
Doyle is the type of player the Colts love to have on the field and in the locker room. Another short contract should be on the way while they find the future at tight end.
OL Ryan Kelly
The Colts picked up Kelly’s fifth-year option so the Alabama product is under contract through the 2020 season. However, the Colts would be wise to get an extension done before that season. Not only would it be cheaper, but they would lock up the anchor of their offensive line.
Of course, there have been injury concerns to factor in over the last few seasons. They are legitimate. But Kelly is still one of the most talented centers in all of football, and he appears to thrive in communication under Frank Reich’s lead.
Offensive linemen are getting paid now, and it might be prudent for the Colts to get an extension done for the former first-round pick.
DE Jabaal Sheard
The Colts have some promising pieces on the edge of the defensive line, but Sheard should still be brought back on a short deal. The veteran defensive end is getting up there in age (31 in 2020), but he’s still a force off the edge both against the run and in generating pressure.
The Colts have Ben Banogu and Kemoko Turay to work as the future of the defensive line, but the combination of Sheard and Justin Houston has worked wonders for Indy this season. Sheard’s game has proven to be vital, especially from a run-stopping perspective.
There’s a high chance Sheard winds up hitting the market, but that wouldn’t be because he didn’t earn a new contract.
OL Anthony Castonzo
The starting left tackle for the Colts is in the final year of his contract. Re-signing him this offseason should be the top priority for Chris Ballard and the front office. Given what is behind him at left tackle, he’s the best option they have right now.
Even if the Colts wanted to focus on the future and use one of their early picks on a left tackle, Castonzo should be re-signed to a short deal. This will help them keep continuity and stability at one of the most important positions on the field. Not to mention, Castonzo is enjoying perhaps his best season.
The Colts have many objectives on their plate, but getting a deal done with Castonzo is necessary.
