Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri has been in the league longer than a handful of players have been alive and even though he’s battling a season-ending injury, there’s a chance he might want to continue playing.
After the Colts placed Vinatieri on the injured reserve list, the 46-year-old has a decision to make about his future. He can hang it up and retire as the greatest kicker of all time. Or he can try to recover from knee surgery to return in 2020.
Regardless of what Vinatieri decides to do, the Colts should move on and find a new kicker.
First, Vinatieri’s career accomplishments should be acknowledged. He’s the greatest kicker of all-time—recording the most points scored and field goals made in a career. He leaves behind a legacy of consistency that might not ever be seen again.
He’s a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer and a guarantee to be in the Colts Ring of Honor.
However, his struggles in 2019 are exactly why the Colts should move on. Battling injuries throughout the season and recording what was his worst campaign by far, Vinatieri was a part of the reason the Colts find themselves out of the playoff race.
It’s harsh but true. If the Colts had a more consistent kicker—one that didn’t miss 14 kicks in 12 games—there is a high chance they would still be competing for a playoff spot with three games remaining. His 14 missed kicks are the third-most in a season ever.
The good thing is, the Colts don’t have to worry about a contract. Seeing as Vinatieri was on a one-year deal, there are no obligations for the Colts to have him on the roster unless general manager Chris Ballard believes it is the right move for the team, which would be a questionable move, to say the least.
Finding a consistent kicker isn’t an easy thing to do. Only a handful of teams truly have a kicker they can rely upon week in and week out. The Colts used to be that kind of team. Now, they aren’t.
It will be an interesting situation to watch this offseason, but if the Colts truly want to be competitive in 2020, the plans shouldn’t include re-signing Vinatieri.