With so many decisions to make this offseason, one of the bigger situations for the Indianapolis Colts is largely out of their control. That is in the form of left tackle Anthony Castonzo and his decision to return in 2020.
Facing free agency, there has been a lot of talk about Castonzo’s future both with the Colts and in the NFL. That naturally has turned into retirement talk for Castonzo, even if he didn’t say those specific words at the end of the season.
Still, Castonzo remains unsigned. The Colts may have to find his replacement as early as 2020, but owner Jim Irsay believes there is a “strong likelihood” that the 30-year-old returns.
It should be noted that Irsay admitted he hasn’t talked to Castonzo about the situation. So what happens with Castonzo’s potential return is truly up in the air. But there is still plenty of optimism he returns to the team this offseason.
Not only is Castonzo at the top of his game—even at 30—a big reason he likely will return is the pay upgrade he will see. Above-average left tackles are rare in the league, but the market favors the position heavily. Castonzo is likely to see over $16 million annually in a potential new deal.
There is still no official word as to which way Castonzo is leaning and it still might be a while before we know what happens, but Irsay is optimistic the Colts left tackle will return.
