The Indianapolis Colts have made it clear that they aren’t afraid of handing out contract extensions to players they feel deserve it—even if said player has a full season ahead under contract.
General manager Chris Ballard has made that move several times in the past, most notably with cornerback Kenny Moore and punter Rigoberto Sanchez during the 2019 offseason.
The Colts have 24 players entering a contract year as unrestricted free agents, but there are a few that stand out. Some of them could wind up getting a new deal before the 2020 season arrives, but most of them are likely proving they deserve another deal.
It may only happen to one of them. It may not happen to any of them. But here are four Colts most likely to receive a contract extension before the 2020 season:
Ryan Kelly | OL | Age: 26
The 2016 first-round pick out of Alabama turns 27 years old at the end of the month and is currently playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. If there is one player most likely to get a contract extension before the 2020 season starts, it’s Kelly.
Though he had a two-season stretch where injuries were becoming a massive concern, Kelly bounced back in a big way for the 2019 campaign. He started all 16 games anchoring the offensive line for the Colts while playing on 94.5% of the team’s offensive snaps.
He was extremely efficient as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Kelly allowed just one sack on 591 pass-blocking snaps in 2019. He proved he could be reliable and productive while excelling at one of the most difficult positions in the game of football.
The offensive line is the strength of the Colts offense. Keeping that continuity going is essential, and Kelly’s production isn’t easy to come by.
The Colts might not want to wait and see if Kelly can produce again like he did in 2019. If he does, his value on the market will be as high as its ever been.