The Indianapolis Colts received some encouraging news during the NFL scouting combine in that left tackle Anthony Castonzo wants to return to the field for at least one more season. Now, they have to get a deal done with the veteran leader of the offensive line.
While general manager Chris Ballard said at the combine that the Colts are working on the deal for Castonzo, no word has been reported as to how far along those talks are. With free agency approaching quickly, could the Colts use the franchise tag on the 30-year-old?
For clarity, this isn’t suggesting the Colts apply the franchise tag and that’s it. Instead, one might wonder if the Colts use the franchise tag for Castonzo simply to give them more time to work on a deal that benefits both sides.
The biggest aspect likely holding up the deal is the CBA proposal. Because the Colts front office doesn’t know yet what the new CBA will hold for certain, this can keep them from structuring the contract a certain way.
The deadline to vote on the CBA is on Saturday at 11:59 p.m. ET. The deadline to use the franchise tag and/or transition tag was changed to Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET. So the Colts will have roughly two days between the news about the CBA and the franchise tag deadline.
Using the franchise tag on Castonzo would keep other teams from negotiating with him—not that he is truly testing the open market. It seems his mindset is to stay with the Colts regardless.
Once the legal tampering period opens on March 16, other teams will be permitted to contact the representatives of impending free agents. Again, Castonzo is sort of unique in that he hasn’t expressed any desire to leave, but it is something to be noted. But if the Colts apply the tag, teams can’t contact that player.
If the Colts apply the franchise tag on Castonzo, they will have until July 15 to get a new deal done. If they don’t, he will have to play under the franchise tag. But given the extended time to work on a deal, it would most likely get done soon after.
The Colts shouldn’t be expected to apply the franchise tag to Castonzo. It would be used as a last measure decision simply to keep other teams from contacting him. The only thing keeping this deal from getting done is most likely the new CBA proposal.
But until we get more information on the matter, all options should be on the table for the Colts.