Tag: Mo Alie-Cox

Colts 2025 free agency predictions: Does TE Mo-Alie-Cox return?

Up next in our Colts’ free agency predictions, we take a look at tight end Mo Alie-Cox. Will he return for the 2025 season?

In the coming weeks, we will be taking a closer look at each of the Indianapolis Colts’ unrestricted free agents and making a prediction as to whether or not they will return for the 2025 season.

Up next, let’s take a look at tight end Mo Alie-Cox. If you’ve missed any of our other free agency predictions, you can find them below.

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Alie-Cox has been with the Colts since the 2017 season when he was signed as an undrafted rookie.

During that span, he’s been asked to be a blocking tight end primarily within the Colts’ offense. His most productive season as a pass-catcher came in 2020 when he totaled 426 yards.

Filling that traditional in-line, Y-tight end role, Alie-Cox ranked 16th out of 84 eligible tight ends this past season in PFF’s run-blocking grade.

The tight end position, of course, is a massive need for the Colts, with GM Chris Ballard saying after the season that the offense needs more production in the passing game from this unit.

Alie-Cox doesn’t provide a big boost in that regard, and when it comes to his bread-and-butter role as a blocker, the Colts still do have Drew Ogletree under contract for the 2025 season and late in the 2024 season, it wasn’t uncommon to see Ogletree out-snapping Alie-Cox in games.

With Ballard wanting to emphasize competition this offseason, the tight end group is one where the Colts very much need some new additions that hopefully help elevate the play of the unit. This not only applies to the passing game, but there is also something to be said for having a well-rounded tight end in the offense that can help add some unpredictability to that unit.

Keeping the status quo here won’t do and when it comes to filling Alie-Cox’s blocking role, Ogletree is already on the roster to do that and can provide more upside as a receiver.

Prediction: Alie-Cox signs elsewhere

A quiet Week 1 for Colts’ tight end group vs. Texans

It was a quiet opening game for the Indianapolis Colts’ tight end group against the Houston Texans.

Facing the Houston Texans in their Week 1 matchup, it was a quiet game for the Indianapolis Colts’ tight end room.

Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox each finished the game with one target and no receptions. The target that went Granson’s way also turned into an interception after he slipped on his route. Drew Ogletree wasn’t targeted at all.

So between the three tight ends, they played a combined 55 snaps and had two targets and no receptions.

Now, of course, when it comes to the tight end position, there are other ways for this group to impact the game, specifically as a blocker. And for what it’s worth, PFF did grade out  all three fairly well in the run-blocking category.

However, at the end of the day, what matters are results, and the Colts were largely ineffective in the run game, with Jonathan Taylor totaling just 48 yards on 16 carries.

To state the obvious, Taylor’s 3.0 yards per rush figure certainly doesn’t fall solely on the shoulders of the tight ends. But with that said, if there’s going to be minimal impact in the passing game, you would hope to see more results on the ground.

As GM Chris Ballard described before training camp, the Colts are taking a strength in numbers approach at the tight end position. While there isn’t that one go-to option like some teams have, internally, they do like the variety of skill sets that are in this room.

In theory, that can be advantageous, particularly from a game-planning perspective for Shane Steichen. But again, it all goes back to the results and impact, which were minimal in the first game.

Colts’ training camp battles: How does the TE room shake out?

With training camp about to start for the Indianapolis Colts, one of the more intriguing roster battles will take place at tight end.

The Colts don’t necessarily have the “go-to” option at the tight end position, but when it comes to the makeup of this room, they have options and a variety of skill sets for Shane Steichen to utilize.

Within this position group, there are two potential competitions that will take place. The first is for the top spot on the depth chart, although, again, with a variety of skill sets at this position, we are going to see multiple players regularly contributing each week. So, admittedly, TE1 or TE2 may not mean a whole lot.

But nonetheless, this is a battle that likely comes down to either Jelani Woods, or Kylen Granson. As I wrote recently in my starting lineup projection, Granson would be the safe pick, given his availability, having played a season in Steichen’s system, and that he can affect the game in a few different ways as a move tight end.

However, as Woods discussed earlier this offseason, he is feeling better than ever and wants to earn his spot back as a pivotal member of this offense. With elite speed, Woods could be a force in the passing game, particularly over the middle in Steichen’s RPO-heavy offense.

“I know what I can do,” Woods said. “I know how well I can help the offense. I know I can be a pivotal point in the offense, and I’m just trying to show that and earn the respect back, earn my spot back. And so, pretty much do whatever I can to show them Jelani’s here.”

The other competition within this room could be between Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree. Realistically, between those two, Woods, Granson, and Will Mallory, keeping five tight ends on the 53-man may not be an option because that would mean going light at another position group.

Alie-Cox and Ogletree both helped fill the more blocking specific role within the offense as well. Alie-Cox has more experience, which is certainly valuable, but if Ogletree can showcase that he can handle a heavier workload, the Colts could roster the younger player who is still on a rookie deal–not to mention that releasing Alie-Cox saves $5.92 million in cap space this season.

Solid play this season from the tight position will help unlock different elements within the Colts offense. Having players who can fill different roles will allow Steichen to really play matchups, not to mention that there is a layer of unpredictability this position group can add, when there are players who can be moved around and take on different responsibilities.

Colts’ training camp roster preview: TE Mo Alie-Cox

Up next in our Colts’ training camp roster preview is tight end Mo Alie-Cox. Here’s a look back at his 2023 season and what’s ahead in 2024.

Veterans and rookies for the Indianapolis Colts will report for training camp on July 24th, with the first practice taking place on July 25th.

Between now and then I will be previewing the Colts’ 91-man roster with a look back at each player’s 2023 season, along with what’s ahead for 2024.

I’ll be going through the Colts’ roster alphabetically, so up next is tight end Mo Alie-Cox. To stay up to date with our other previews, be sure to head over to Colts Wire.

2023 Season Review

Mo Alie-Cox played in all 17 games last season, and was on the field for 38 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps, trailing only Kylen Gransen at the tight end position.

As a pass-catcher, Alie-Cox caught 13 of his 21 targets at 12.4 yards per catch with three touchdowns. His primary role, however, comes as a run-blocker in this Colts’ offense. Out of 83 eligible tight ends last season, Alie-Cox ranked 20th in PFF’s run-blocking grade. He also played 123 special teams snaps as well.

2024 Season Preview

The potential outcomes for Alie-Cox this season are quite wide-ranging. On one hand, he could again be an important part of this Colts offense as a blocker and possible red zone target.

On the other end of things, as PFF suggested, Alie-Cox could be cut when the Colts are putting together thier initial rosters. Alie-Cox is due a base salary of $5.41 million this season but has no guarantees left in his deal–meaning that releasing him would save the Colts $5.92 million in cap space.

My expectation right now is that Alie-Cox is going to be on the Colts team this season. The Colts don’t have that go-to option at this position group, but GM Chris Ballard has built a unit with a diverse group of skill sets that has the unit as a whole equipped to handle just about any gameplan or situation that the Colts might face, and Alie-Cox’s ability to impact the run game is a part of that equation.

In addition to that, the second most popular personnel package Shane Steichen utilized in 2023 consisted of having two tight ends on the field, so depth is important.

Ultimately, whether or not Alie-Cox is on the Week 1 roster or what his playing time this season looks like will be dependent upon how he performs this summer, along with how the Colts feel about Drew Ogletree and if he can step into a larger – and similar – role.

Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox named potential cut candidate

Indianapolis Colts’ tight end Mo Alie-Cox was named a potential cut candidate for the team this summer.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox is entering the final year of his current deal, which could make him a potential cut candidate this summer.

Bleacher Report recently named one potential roster cut for all 32 NFL teams and selected Alie-Cox for the Colts.

No portion of what Alie-Cox is set to earn this season is guaranteed. This means that if the Colts were to leave him off the final 53-man roster, they would create $5.92 million in cap space with no dead money left behind.

That additional cap space could then be rolled over into the 2025 offseason, giving the Colts’ more financial flexibility at that time.

Alie-Cox had 13 receptions last season on 21 targets, averaging 12.4 yards per catch with three scores. However, Alie-Cox’s calling card in the Colts’ offense is as a blocker.

The Colts have invested in the tight end position in recent drafts, selecting Will Mallory in 2023, Jelani Woods and Drew Ogletree in 2022, and Kylen Granson in 2021.

This group, along with Alie-Cox, makes up a tight end room with diverse skill sets. Granson and Mallory are the move tight ends, while Woods is able to stretch the field, with Alie-Cox and Ogletree as primary blockers.

If the Colts are going to move on from Alie-Cox, they will have to be confident in the blocking abilities of Ogletree and that Woods can stay healthy. On the flip side, keeping Alie-Cox could mean rostering five tight ends, which impacts the number of players the Colts keep at other positions.

With $26.22 million in available cap space, the Colts aren’t in a salary cap crunch by any means. In fact, compared to the rest of the NFL, they are positioned quite well. So, moving on from Alie-Cox isn’t a requirement, and prioritizing depth could be viewed as the more prudent move.

Is Mo Alie-Cox a cut candidate for the Colts?

PFF listed Mo Alie-Cox as a cut candidate.

As the new offseason arrives, conversations regarding what the Indianapolis Colts should do range from free agency targets, potential draft selections and players seemingly on the chopping block.

Given that the Colts are in fantastic standing with the salary cap, there is little reason for the front office to cut bait with players simply to save money.

As Pro Football Focus looked for potential cut candidates for every team across the NFL, one player stood out for the Colts.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: TE MO ALIE-COX

Salary Cap Details: $0 dead money, $5,920,000 cap savings

The Colts have a stable of young tight ends, and Alie-Cox’s role has diminished a bit as his pay has increased entering the final year of his deal signed in 2022.

Alie-Cox is still a quality jump ball target in the red zone, with three of his 13 receptions in 2023 going for touchdowns. In addition, the 6-foot-5, 267-pounder is an asset in the blocking game. Nonetheless, with a bunch of recent draft picks and a lot of savings here, perhaps this contract is adjusted heading into 2024.

While the Colts would save nearly $6 million in salary-cap space by releasing Alie-Cox, there isn’t a huge need to make a move right now. There likely isn’t a need to make a move even after the 2024 NFL draft.

Alie-Cox was given the keys as the starting tight end following Jack Doyle’s retirement in 2022. He’s in the final year of the three-year deal he signed that offseason.

The issue is that Alie-Cox hasn’t developed into the type of impact player the Colts are paying him to be. He’s still a decent starter because his blocking abilities give him an edge in the tight end room, but if the Colts can find a true Y tight end, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them cut bait.

It’s unlikely a move will happen without a reason behind it, but this will be something to keep in the back of our minds over the course of the offseason.

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Stock up, stock down from Colts’ 2023 season

The Colts’ stock report from the 2023 season.

When we take a look back at the 2023 season for the Indianapolis Colts, it was a good year for the franchise with several players having their best seasons of their career while having some setting new career-highs.

Finding players who raised their stock was easy but narrowing it down to a few was debated heavily. I went with the ones I believe saw a significant increase. As far as for players who saw their stock drop, that was a little more difficult.

There was a clear one who’s performance dropped off from 2022 but for the last two spots, I went with players that could’ve made more of an impact with their time spent on the field.

Let’s take a look at six Colts’ players who either saw a rise or fall in their stock from the past season:

WATCH: Colts’ Mo Alie-Cox scores TD on fourth down vs. Bengals

Big Mo got the Colts on the board.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen has no problem being aggressive, and it paid off during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Facing a fourth-and-one from the goal line, quarterback Gardner Minshew found tight end Mo Alie-Cox on a play-action pass for a touchdown to get the Colts on the board.

Here’s a look at the big play near the end of the second quarter:

PFF wants to see Bengals make trade with Colts for underrated TE

An interesting trade proposal for the Bengals.

There are many Cincinnati Bengals targets at the trade deadline worth considering.

From an outsider’s perspective, at least. We recently outlined 11 targets they should pick up the phone and call about before the October 31 deadline. Tight end appeared multiple times after Irv Smith Jr.’s struggles so far.

One who almost made the cut?

Mo Alie-Cox of the Indianapolis Colts. It’s a pairing that fits prominently as a move the Bengals should make, according to a new column from Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger:

Alie-Cox is now third on the Colts’ depth chart in snap share in 2023, with 2021 third-rounder Kylen Granson leading the way and 2022 sixth-rounder Andrew Ogletree showing serious chops as a blocker with a few nice grabs sprinkled in. Indianapolis also used its fifth-round pick in this past year’s draft on Miami (OH) tight end Will Mallory and has 2022 third-rounder Jelani Woods continuing to work his way back from a hamstring injury.

As Brad Spielberger goes on to note, Alie-Cox has all of six drops over 134 targets on his career, which would bring some serious reliability to the position.

At this point, any addition to the position might be a help and if the Bengals, for some reason, don’t like how it works with the 30-year-old, there’s an out built into his contract after this season.

This, if anything at all, is about the range of move the Bengals might look to make if the right sort of deal presents itself.

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Colts’ Mo Alie-Cox removed from Week 6 injury report

Mo Alie-Cox was removed from the Week 6 injury report.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox cleared the concussion protocol and his questionable designation on the Week 6 injury report was removed, the team announced Saturday.

Alie-Cox made a quick turnaround this week after suffering a concussion during the Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans. Assuming he’s active, Alie-Cox would be the first Colts player this season to play in a game immediately following a concussion.

Alie-Cox’s role has changed with the incoming coaching staff. He’s no longer considered the starter and has been usurped by second-year tight end Drew Ogletree.

Even so, he will likely remain as the No. 3 tight end if the Colts are comfortable putting him out on the field one week after sustaining a concussion.

In five games (three starts), Alie-Cox has recorded three receptions on five targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. He’s played 31% of the offensive snaps this season.

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