The Indianapolis Colts are planning on exercising the fifth-year option on center Ryan Kelly’s contract, general manager Chris Ballard announced Saturday following the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Colts had until May 3 to do so and even though it isn’t official until the team announces it, Ballard’s confirmation is all that is needed. Kelly will be under contract through the 2020 season barring an extension.
Because Kelly was a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, there is a fifth-year team option in his rookie contract. Given his impact on the offensive line when healthy, this move is seemingly a no-brainer.
Kelly has been a staple in the offensive line since arriving on the scene from Alabama in 2016. He’s dealt with some injuries over the last two seasons, but he’s been incredibly productive when on the field.
While Kelly’s contract now runs through the 2020 season, there is a high chance Ballard want to get an extension in the works and out of the way.
How quickly that gets done remains to be seen, but Kelly is likely going to be a big part of the offensive line for years to come. The first step in making that happen was exercising his fifth-year option.
