Tag: Isaiah McKenzie

Colts’ Isaiah McKenzie contract details

Here are the contract details for new Colts WR Isaiah McKenzie.

The Indianapolis Colts signed wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie during the second week of free agency, adding some depth to a position of need.

While McKenzie is likely to work solely out of the slot, he’s a nice depth addition to the room. It shouldn’t necessarily keep the Colts from adding more talent and upside via the 2023 NFL draft, but he has shown flashes throughout his career.

Now, we finally know what his contract will look like for the 2023 season. According to Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star, McKenzie signed for the veteran salary benefit.

Here’s how his contract breaks down on the one-year deal:

  • 2023 base salary: $1.08 million
  • $402,500 guaranteed
  • $152,500 signing bonus
  • $1.09 salary cap hit

As the likely replacement for Campbell in the slot, this is an extremely cheap deal. It will hardly have any impact on the salary cap for the Colts, and they could still get some decent production from him as a depth receiver.

But this contract hardly guarantees him a solidified role in the offense. McKenzie will certainly have his chances and likely will enter training camp as the favorite for the slot role, but it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if the Colts added some extra competition.

We’ll see what’s in store for the wide receiver position for the Colts throughout the rest of the offseason, but McKenzie will be in the competition for a role behind the starting duo at the top of the depth chart.

[mm-video type=video id=01gw2m5pmxaq9f98cwfz playlist_id=01eqbwdn1cy47y964q player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gw2m5pmxaq9f98cwfz/01gw2m5pmxaq9f98cwfz-169ddb9ea311d90d7dd338449df6beba.jpg]

Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)

What the Colts are getting in new WR Isaiah McKenzie

Bills Wire editor Nick Wojton gave us the scoop on the newest Colts wideout.

The Indianapolis Colts added some depth to the wide receiver room during the second week of free agency by signing Isaiah McKenzie to the room.

While it’s unclear what exactly McKenzie’s role will be within Shane Steichen’s offense, he’s likely to work mostly from the slot with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce on the outside.

To get some extra information on the Colts’ newest wide receiver, we caught up with Bills Wire editor Nick Wojton, who gave us the low-down on what McKenzie brings to the team.

How signing Isaiah McKenzie impacts Colts draft plans

Taking a look at how Isaiah McKenzie might impact the Colts’ draft plans.

The Indianapolis Colts added some depth and versatility to the wide receiver room by signing free agent Isaiah McKenzie on Tuesday, but how might that move impact the team’s draft plans?

The addition of McKenzie isn’t one that will lead to a massive target share within the offense for the slot receiver. He’s expected to be the first in line to replace Parris Campbell in the slot, but he’s likely still behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce on the depth chart.

There’s a good chance McKenzie will be entering the offseason workouts battling for the No. 3 role in the offense and while the Colts should still consider adding a rookie to the room during the draft, this move may allow them to wait until the final day of the draft to make a selection at the position.

It’s a risky bet going into training camp with McKenzie as the clear-cut No. 3 wide receiver without much competition. He’s talented and explosive as a slot receiver, but he hasn’t been all that productive as a receiver (career-high 423 yards in 2022).

It would behoove the Colts to add another wide receiver in the draft as early as their fourth-round pick at No. 106 overall. There should still be some quality prospects on the board at the point in the draft to compete with McKenzie for the third spot in the room.

McKenzie is a solid depth addition to the room because he’s shifty and explosive from the slot while also possessing the ability to produce in a gadget/motion role.

But the signing shouldn’t keep the Colts from swinging for upside at the position during the draft because they could use more depth and talent behind their big duo in Pittman and Pierce.

Keep up to date with the latest news, signings and rumors through our free agency tracker for the Colts.

[mm-video type=video id=01gw2m5pmxaq9f98cwfz playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gw2m5pmxaq9f98cwfz/01gw2m5pmxaq9f98cwfz-169ddb9ea311d90d7dd338449df6beba.jpg]

Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)

How Colts signing Isaiah McKenzie impacts WR depth chart

Here’s a look at how the signing of Isaiah McKenzie impacts Colts depth chart.

After a few days of being quiet in free agency, the Indianapolis Colts have made another addition by signing Isaiah McKenzie to their roster.

With Parris Campbell heading to New York to join the Giants, that created an open spot for a player to take over his role as the new slot receiver.

McKenzie fits the mold for the position due to his size and how he plays the position. Not only can he play in the slot but Shane Steichen can get creative with him and use him as a gadget weapon in his offense because he is capable of running the ball as well.

As of now, this is what Indy’s wide receiving depth chart looks like:

WR1: Michael Pittman Jr.

Slot WR: Isaiah McKenzie

WR2: Alec Pierce

WR4: Ashton Dulin

Backups competing for a roster spot: Mike Strachan, Vyncint Smith, Malik Turner, Kristian Wilkerson, and Ethan Fernea.

McKenzie shouldn’t stop Chris Ballard from finding competition for the slot role but I would expect him to look for a Day 2 or 3 receiver in the NFL draft to throw into the group. Unless an elite receiver is available on the market, I don’t see another veteran receiver coming to Indianapolis this offseason.

One more thing that does make McKenzie valuable to the roster is that he can provide to the special teams because he has experience returning punts and kicks.

Dallis Flowers is currently slotted in as the starting kick and punt returner but with Indianapolis having a thin cornerback group, they may have to not have him return the ball as much in 2023.

[mm-video type=video id=01gw2m5pmxaq9f98cwfz playlist_id=01eqbwdn1cy47y964q player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gw2m5pmxaq9f98cwfz/01gw2m5pmxaq9f98cwfz-169ddb9ea311d90d7dd338449df6beba.jpg]

Former Bills WR Isaiah McKenzie to sign with Colts

Isaiah McKenzie has found a new home:

Isaiah McKenzie has found a new NFL team shortly after his departure from the Buffalo Bills.

According to Colts Wire, McKenzie is heading to Indianapolis. Full terms of the deal have yet to be announced.

A fifth-round pick with the Denver Broncos in the 2017 NFL draft, McKenzie spent two seasons there before he was waived during the 2018 campaign. The Bills claimed him and he was in Buffalo until last week when he was released.

The 27-year-old played a bit part for the Bills until last season. That was his best year in the NFL as he recorded 42 receptions on 65 targets for 423 yards and four touchdowns. He added nine carries for 55 rushing yards and a touchdown as well.

However, by most standards, more was expected out of McKenzie in the expanded role he was given.

Plus, Buffalo signed Deonte Harty to play a similar dual-threat role McKenzie played and the team saved salary cap space in releasing him.

[lawrence-related id=115121,115145,115124]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw1j59gmjw5gdj player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Former Georgia WR signs deal with Indianapolis Colts

Former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie signs deal with the Colts

It did not take former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie long to find a new NFL team. McKenzie, who the Buffalo Bills released a few days ago, has signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

McKenzie, 27, had a strong season for Buffalo in 2022, recording 42 receptions for 423 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He played in 15 games and added nine rushes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Buffalo’s season ended in a disappointing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL postseason.

McKenzie played with the Bills from 2018 to 2022.

McKenzie joins an Indianapolis Colts team that is likely to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.

McKenzie, who is coming off arguably the best season of his career, played for Georgia from 2014-2016 before being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Colts to sign WR Isaiah McKenzie: How Twitter reacted

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the Colts signing WR Isaiah McKenzie.

The Indianapolis Colts are signing free-agent wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, giving them a slot option to help replace the absence of Parris Campbell.

McKenzie should give the Colts a solid depth option in the slot receiver role while Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce lead the room on the boundary. The Colts also have Ashton Dulin returning after re-signing with the Colts this offseason.

Keep up to date with the latest news, signings and rumors through our free agency tracker for the Colts.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news that the Colts signed McKenzie:

Instant analysis of Colts signing WR Isaiah McKenzie

Here’s our instant analysis of the Colts signing WR Isaiah McKenzie.

The Indianapolis Colts are adding to the wide receiver room in the form of free-agent Isaiah McKenzie.

After the Colts saw Parris Campbell sign a one-year deal with the New York Giants, they needed to fill the void at slot receiver. With the McKenzie signing, they bring in a veteran option who can provide solid depth.

There’s certainly still room to add to the wide receiver position, but this does give the Colts a decent short-area, quick-hitting slot option that also can work on special teams.

Keep up to date with the latest news, signings and rumors through our free agency tracker for the Colts.

Here’s our instant analysis of the move:

Colts to sign free-agent WR Isaiah McKenzie

The Colts are signing free-agent WR Isaiah McKenzie.

The Indianapolis Colts are signing free-agent wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, according to his agency Tuesday.

After watching slot receiver Parris Campbell sign with the New York Giants on a one-year deal, the Colts are bringing in McKenzie to compete for that role in Shane Steichen’s offense.

A fifth-round pick with the Denver Broncos in the 2017 NFL draft, McKenzie spent two seasons there before he was waived during the 2018 campaign. The Buffalo Bills claimed him in the following days, and that’s where he’s played since he was released March 17.

McKenzie, 27, will fill the role that Campbell left behind, but it remains to be seen how many snaps he’ll get as the slot receiver. It’s likely that Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce will be the starting duo while McKenzie and Ashton Dulin will see time in 11 personnel packages.

The 2022 season was McKenzie’s best since entering the league. He recorded 42 receptions on 65 targets for 423 yards and four touchdowns. He added nine carries for 55 rushing yards and a touchdown.

McKenzie also has experience on special teams as a return man. He spent the 2021 season with the Bills as their main punt and kick returner.

Keep up to date with the latest news, signings and rumors through our free agency tracker for the Colts.

Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)

Isaiah McKenzie sent thank you message to Bills fans after release

Isaiah McKenzie sent thank you message to #Bills fans after release:

The Bills have released wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie.

It was a move that was not a shock due to the team’s salary cap. Cutting the wideout, despite him having plenty of fans in Buffalo, saved the Bills dollars against a tight cap.

Not to mention, McKenzie’s skill set matches recent signee Deonte Harty. A lot to consider there, and in the end, his career as a Bill has come to an end.

But McKenzie was still grateful when it happened.

He took to his social media account on Twitter and shared a touching message in a few words. You could tell his time with the team meant a lot to him.

Check out McKenzie’s message below:

[lawrence-related id=115096,115092,115069]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw1j59gmjw5gdj player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]