The Indianapolis Colts aren’t thinking about contract extensions and future implications in free agency as a priority right now. They are focused on installing changes to offensive and defensive schemes during organized team activities.
However, there are some players in contract years — and some that are not — that can earn more money with a solid season in 2019. That could come in the form of another contract with the Colts following the expiration of their current deal or it could be an early extension.
Here are five Colts who can cash in big with a strong campaign in 2019:
WR Devin Funchess
Most of the Colts on this list are set to be free agents when the 2019 season ends. Funchess arrived in Indy on a one-year deal to prove he is worth another contract when it’s all said and done. Given his age and ceiling in the offense, he could certainly cash in big.
Just turning 25 years old on Tuesday, Funchess has the chance to carve out a significant role in the offense as a boundary wide receiver. If he can limit his drops and stay healthy, there’s a chance he outproduces the value the Colts go for him in free agency.
Funchess is working on a prove-it deal. He will be working everyday to prove to the Colts they should give him another contract following the 2019 season, even if it is only for another two or three years.
TE Eric Ebron
After being cast out by Detroit in 2018, the Colts gladly scooped Ebron up and brought him into the family. He produced tremendously, leading the tight end position in touchdown receptions while setting career-highs in just about every category.
Entering the final year of the two-year deal he signed in 2018, Ebron has the chance to cash in big money with a new contract if he continues to produce. At 26 years old, Ebron is still at the age where a big extension is plausible for more money than he’s seen in his career.
The Colts tight end room is thin following the 2019 season, but Ebron can give it some stability for the next few years if he’s able to earn a second contract with his new home.
OL Ryan Kelly
We know that the Colts picked up Kelly’s fifth-year option, which means he’s actually under contract through the 2020 season. That might not seem like a priority right now but if Kelly stays healthy and produces like he did in 2018, the Colts could be looking to lock him up before the expiration of that fifth year.
Kelly was the anchor of the offensive line when he was healthy. He was strong in both pass protection and run blocking while setting the tone early for the front. His chemistry with Andrew Luck can’t be understated.
Health is the biggest hurdle for Kelly to overcome. He’s dealt with some injuries over the past two seasons. However, if he stays healthy in 2019, the Colts could be looking to lock him up early.
OT Anthony Castonzo
What the Colts will do with their current left tackle in Castonzo remains to be seen. They have expressed interest in bringing the veteran back following the expiration of his deal in 2019, but it remains to be seen for how long given that he’s entering his age-31 season.
If Castonzo can stay healthy this year and prove he still has plenty left in the tank, which he did in 2018, the Colts could be looking to give him a significant contract for the next few years while they search for his eventual successor. It would likely come in the form of a two or three-year deal.
Regardless, Castonzo can cash in pretty big with the way offensive linemen are paid. Plenty of teams could use his services, which means another solid campaign could lead to a nice payday.
CB Kenny Moore
Arguably the Colts’ best cornerback, Moore is under contract through the 2019 season but is slated to be a restricted free agent. This means he’s likely to return on a cheap deal, but the Colts could feel like rewarding him with a multi-year extension if he has another strong season.
Moore proved that, despite his size, he can be an impactful defender in the secondary. His athleticism and wingspan allow him to make great plays in coverage, regardless of whether he’s running zone or man.
Moore is entering his third year in the league after joining the Colts as a waiver claim before the 2017 season. If he proves he can be a cornerstone in the defense, the Colts might be looking to give him a nice pay upgrade.
