The Indianapolis Colts likely breathed a huge sigh of relief when left tackle Anthony Castonzo decided to return on a two-year deal, one that made him the highest-paid left tackle in the league at the time.
Castonzo has been a rock for the Colts anchoring the left side of the line since his arrival in 2011 as a first-round pick. But his emergence as one of the top tackles in the league has taken form during the last two seasons.
He was named the team’s most underrated player by Pro Football Focus.
The decision by Castonzo to stave off retirement for at least one more year, keeping one of the best offensive lines in the NFL intact, was one of the biggest developments in what has been a busy offseason for Indianapolis. The fact that Castonzo has never made the Pro Bowl is more of an indictment on the selection process than it is on Castonzo’s play. He has been one of the most reliable left tackles in the game for years now, grading at 76.9 or higher in every season of his career excluding his rookie campaign in 2011. He may not be the best player on that offensive line anymore with the emergence of Quenton Nelson as one of the league’s best young players, but Castonzo’s consistently strong play is still underappreciated up front for the Colts.
The Colts offensive line is the strength of their offense. With Quenton Nelson continuing his path as arguably the top guard in the league, the Colts have one of the best duos on the left side with Castonzo on the edge.
The front office will soon have to find his replacement, but Philip Rivers can rest easy at night knowing Castonzo has his blind side protected.
