A New Era for the Colts’ Offensive Line?
The Indianapolis Colts may be facing a significant change to their offensive line for the first time in nearly a decade. Center Ryan Kelly, who has been a stalwart of the team since being drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, is about to become a free agent. This marks a pivotal moment for the Colts, as Kelly’s departure could leave a substantial void at a critical position.
Ryan Kelly’s Legacy
Ryan Kelly is not just a key player; he is the longest-tenured member of the Colts roster and has been the cornerstone of their offensive line. His presence and leadership have been instrumental in the team’s offensive success over the years. However, with free agency looming, the Colts must prepare for the possibility of life without Kelly. Whether he retires or moves to another team, the Colts need to have a solid plan in place to maintain the stability and effectiveness of their offensive line.
Potential Internal Replacement
The logical choice to fill the void left by Kelly is second-year player Tanor Bortolini. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Bortolini was brought into the organization with the express purpose of eventually taking over at center. He possesses the positional flexibility to play at right guard if needed, which could give the Colts some options in how they structure their line. However, Bortolini’s readiness to start at center is a significant factor that the coaching staff will need to evaluate thoroughly.
Free Agency Options
While Bortolini is a strong internal candidate, the Colts also have the option to explore free agency. One name that stands out in this regard is Coleman Shelton, the center for the Chicago Bears. According to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, Shelton could be the "perfect free agent" for the Colts. Although he may not be the top-tier center available, Shelton is a capable starter who could fit well within the Colts’ salary cap constraints. With approximately $35.2 million in cap space, the Colts have the financial flexibility to make a move if they decide to address this need externally.
Shelton’s Track Record
Coleman Shelton has a solid track record as a center, with experience also at both guard positions. In the 2024 season, he allowed 26 total pressures, including three sacks, over 743 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. These statistics, while not stellar, indicate a reliable player who can hold his own in the trenches. The projected two-year, $11.7 million deal for Shelton, as reported by Spotrac, seems reasonable and would allow the Colts to allocate cap space to other needs, especially if they decide to pursue a free-agent guard to strengthen their offensive line further.
Balancing Priorities
Despite the potential fit, it remains to be seen if the Colts will prioritize bringing in a free agent like Shelton. The team has other pressing needs, particularly at right guard and possibly right tackle if Braden Smith is released. Smith missed the final five games of the season due to personal reasons, adding another layer of uncertainty to the offensive line. The Colts might find it more prudent to give Bortolini the center role and use their cap space to address these other positions. Nonetheless, Shelton’s name is one to watch as the free agency period approaches, and the Colts will need to make strategic decisions to ensure their offensive line remains strong and cohesive.
More Colts News
Beyond the center position, the Colts are considering other significant moves. There are rumors that the team could extend a $61 million contract to an underrated star, which would be a major investment in their future. Additionally, the Colts have made a surprising announcement regarding their quarterback competition, indicating that they are actively shaping their team for the upcoming season. Another potential draft pick has decided not to participate in the NFL combine drills, which could impact the Colts’ evaluation process. As the offseason progresses, the Colts will be making several key decisions that will shape their roster and their prospects for the 2024 season.
